Surgery For Small Bowel Obstruction Research Articles

The impact of rurality on racial disparities in costs of bowel obstruction treatment

BackgroundBlack race has been associated with increased resource utilization after operation for small bowel obstruction (SBO). While prior literature has similarly demonstrated differences between urban and rural institutions, limited work has defined the impact of rurality on resource utilization by race. MethodsThe 2016–2020 National Inpatient Sample was used to identify adults undergoing adhesiolysis after non-elective admission for SBO. The primary endpoint was hospitalization costs. Additional outcomes included surgical delay (≥ hospital day 3), length of stay (LOS), and nonhome discharge. Regression models were developed to identify the impact of Black race and rurality on the outcomes of interest with an interaction term to examine the incremental association of Black race on rurality. ResultsOf an estimated 132,390 patients, 11.4 % were treated at an annual average of 377 rural hospitals (18.5 % of institutions). After adjustment, rural hospitals had higher costs (β + $4900, 95 % Confidence Interval [CI] [4200, 5700]), compared to others. However, rurality was associated with reduced odds of surgical delay (Adjusted Odds Ratio [AOR] 0. 76, CI[0.69, 0.85]), decreased LOS (β −1.66 days, CI[−1.99, −1.36]), and nonhome discharge (AOR 0.78, CI[0.70, 0.87]). While White patients experienced significant cost reductions at urban centers ($26,100 [25,800-26,300] vs $31,000 [30,300-31,700]), this was not noted for Black patients ($30,100 [29,400-30,700] vs $30,800 [29,300-32,400]). ConclusionsWe found that Black patients do not benefit from the same cost protection afforded by urban settings as White patients after operative SBO admission. Future work should focus on setting-specific interventions to address drivers of disparities within each community.

Timing to surgery in elderly patients with small bowel obstruction: An insight on frailty.

Small bowel obstruction (SBO) frequently necessitates emergency surgical intervention. The impact of frailty and age on operative outcomes is uncertain. This study evaluated postoperative outcomes of SBO surgery based on patient's age and frailty and explore the optimal timing to operation in elderly and/or frail patients. Patients who underwent SBO surgery were identified in American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database 2005 to 2021. Patients aged ≥65 years were defined as elderly. Patients with 5-Factor Modified Frailty Index≥2 were defined as frail. Multivariable logistic regression was used to compare 30-day postoperative outcomes between elderly frail versus nonfrail patients, as well as between nonfrail young versus elderly patients. There were 49,344 patients who had SBO surgery, with 7,089 (14.37%) patients classified as elderly frail, 17,821 (36.12%) as elderly nonfrail, and 21,849 (44.28%) as young nonfrail. Elderly frail patients had higher mortality (adjusted odds ratio, 1.541; p < 0.01) and postoperative complications compared with their elderly nonfrail counterparts; these patients also had longer wait until definitive operation ( p < 0.01). Among nonfrail patients, when compared with young patients, the elderly had higher mortality (adjusted odds ratio, 2.388; p < 0.01) and complications, and longer time to operation ( p < 0.01). In elderly nonfrail patients, a higher mortality was observed when surgery was postponed after 2 days. Mortality risk for frail elderly patients is heightened from their already higher baseline when surgery is delayed after 4 days. When SBO surgery is postponed for more than 2 days, elderly nonfrail patients have an increased mortality risk. Consequently, upon admission, these patients should be placed under a nasogastric tube and undergo an initial gastrograffin challenge. If there is no contrast in colon, they should be operated on within 2 days. Conversely, elderly frail patients with SBO have a higher mortality risk when surgery is delayed beyond 4 days. Thus, following the same scheme, they should be operated on before 4 days if gastrograffin challenge fails. Therapeutic/Care Management; Level III.

Development and validation of a 30-day point-scoring risk calculator for small bowel obstruction surgery.

Small bowel obstruction (SBO) is one of the most frequent causes of general emergency surgery. The 30-day mortality rate post-surgery ranges widely from 2 to 30%, contingent upon the patient population, which renders risk assessment tools helpful. this study aimed to develop a 30-day point-scoring risk calculator designed for patients undergoing SBO surgery. Patients who underwent SBO surgery were identified in the ACS-NSQIP database from 2005 to 2021. Patients were randomly sampled into an experimental (2/3) and a validation (1/3) group. A weighted point scoring system was developed for the risk of 30-day mortality, utilizing multivariable regression on preoperative risk variables based on Sullivan's method. The risk scores underwent both internal and external validation. Furthermore, the efficacy of the risk score was evaluated in 30-day major surgical complications. A total of 93,517 patients were identified, with 63,521 and 29,996 assigned to the experimental and validation groups, respectively. The risk calculator is structured to assign points based on age (> 85years, 4 points; 75-85years, 3 points; 65-75years, 2 points; 55-65years, 1 point), disseminated cancer (2 points), American Society of Anesthesiology (ASA) score of 4 or 5 (1 point), preoperative sepsis (1 point), hypoalbuminemia (1 point), and fully dependent functional status (1 point). The risk calculator showed strong discrimination (c-statistic = 0.825, 95% CI 0.818-0.831) and good calibration (Brier score = 0.043) in the experimental group. The point scoring system was successfully translated from individual preoperative variables (c-statistic = 0.840, 95% CI 0.834-0.847) and was externally validated in ACS-NSQIP (c-statistic = 0.827, 95% = CI 0.834-0.847, Brier score = 0.043). The SBO risk score can effectively discriminate major surgical complications including major adverse cardiovascular events (c-statistic = 0.734), cardiac complications (c-statistic = 0.732), stroke (c-statistic = 0.725), pulmonary complications (c-statistic = 0.727), renal complications (c-statistic = 0.692), bleeding (c-statistic 0.674), sepsis (c-statistic = 0.670), with high predictive accuracy (all Brier scores < 0.1). This study developed and validated a concise yet robust 10-point risk scoring system for patients undergoing SBO surgery. It can be informative to determine treatment plans and to prepare for potential perioperative complications in patients undergoing SBO surgery.

Practice variations in the surgical treatment of small bowel obstruction in Quebec

Background: Small bowel obstruction (SBO) is a common emergency and selectively requires surgical management. There is growing evidence supporting the use of laparoscopic surgery (LS) compared to open surgery for SBO. Methods: An online survey-based cohort study examining surgeon characteristics, patient factors, and clinical situations that impact decision making regarding the use of LS for SBO was sent to the 538 members of the Association Québécoise de Chirurgie and their answers were collected over a 4-month period in 2019. Results: The response rate was 27.1% (n=146). The gender, sex or the practice setting did not have an impact on the surgical approach. It was noted that surgeons who were more comfortable with laparoscopy used it more often (P=0.002). The three factors favoring the initial approach by laparotomy were most frequently cited: hostile abdomen, severe abdominal distension, and hemodynamic instability. Young surgeons had more homogenous answers (P=0.03). The surgeons having a practice oriented into LS had different decision criteria compared to those doing more open surgery. Conclusion: This article emphasizes key clinical scenarios and determinants that shape the surgical strategy for SBO treatment. The authors aim for this research to stimulate more discussions and contemplation about using laparoscopic methods for treating SBO in certain patients, thereby potentially elevating the frequency of surgeons adopting this approach. Moreover, considering the existing literature supports LS as a viable and safe method for SBO treatment, and noting the enhanced outcomes for patients, it becomes increasingly vital to advocate for this conversation.

Prediction of the risk of severe small bowel obstruction and effects of Houpu Paiqi mixture in patients undergoing surgery for small bowel obstruction

AimSmall bowel obstruction is a common condition that requires emergency surgery. Slow recovery of bowel function after surgery or the occurrence of one or more complications can exacerbate the disease and result in severe small bowel obstruction (SSBO), significantly impacting recovery. It is characterized by a failure to regain enteral nutrition promptly, requiring long-term intensive care. Therefore, it is necessary to identify factors that predict SSBO, to allow early intervention for patients likely to develop this condition.MethodsOf the 260 patients who underwent emergency or elective surgery for small bowel obstruction between January 2018 and December 2022, 45 developed SSBO. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression model was applied to optimize factor selection and multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to construct a predictive model. The performance and clinical utility of the nomogram were determined and internal validation was conducted. In addition, the effects of the Houpu Paiqi mixture on postoperative recovery were analyzed by comparing the clinical data of 28 patients who were treated with the mixture and 61patients who did not receive it.ResultsThe predictors included in the prediction nomogram were age, peritonitis, intestinal resection and anastomosis, complications, operation time, Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II score, white blood cell count, and procalcitonin level. The model had an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.948 (95% confidence interval: 0.814–0.956). Decision curve analysis demonstrated that the SSBO risk nomogram had a good net clinical benefit. In addition, treatment with the Houpu Paiqi mixture reduced postoperative exhaust time, postoperative defecation time, time to first postoperative liquid feed, and length of stay in hospital.ConclusionsWe developed a nomogram that can assist clinicians in identifying patients at greater risk of SSBO, which may aid in early diagnosis and intervention. Additionally, we found that the Houpu Paiqi mixture promoted postoperative recovery.

CLINICAL AND SURGICAL DILEMMAS IN OCTOGENARIAN PATIENTS WITH SMALL BOWEL OBSTRUCTION.

Small bowel obstruction (SBO) is a major problem in emergencies. Comorbidities increase morbimortality, which is reflected in higher costs. There is a lack of Latin American evidence comparing the differences in postoperative results and costs associated with SBO management. To compare the risk of surgical morbimortality and costs of SBO surgery treatment in patients older and younger than 80 years. Retrospective analysis of patients diagnosed with SBO at the University of Chile Clinic Hospital from January 2014 to December 2017. Patients with any medical treatment were excluded. Parametric statistics were used (a 5% error was considered statistically significant, with a 95% confidence interval). A total of 218 patients were included, of which 18.8% aged 80 years and older. There were no differences in comorbidities between octogenarians and non-octogenarians. The most frequent etiologies were adhesions, hernias, and tumors. In octogenarian patients, there were significantly more complications (46.3 vs. 24.3%, p=0.007, p<0.050). There were no statistically significant differences in terms of surgical complications: 9.6% in <80 years and 14.6% in octogenarians (p=0.390, p>0.050). In medical complications, a statistically significant difference was evidenced with 22.5% in <80 years vs 39.0% in octogenarians (p=0.040, p<0.050). There were 20 reoperated patients: 30% octogenarians and 70% non-octogenarians without statistically significant differences (p=0.220, p>0.050). Regarding hospital stay, the average was significantly higher in octogenarians (17.4 vs. 11.0 days; p=0.005, p<0.050), and so were the costs, being USD 9,555 vs. USD 4,214 (p=0.013, p<0.050). Patients aged 80 years and older with surgical SBO treatment have a higher risk of medical complications, length of hospital stay, and associated costs compared to those younger.

Incidence of adhesive small bowel obstruction after surgery for colorectal cancer in Sweden 2007-2016.

Population-based data on incidence and risk factors of adhesive small bowel obstruction (SBO) are limited. The aims of this study were to assess the risk of SBO and SBO surgery after bowel resection for colorectal cancer (CRC) and to assess whether this risk is modified by minimally invasive surgery (MIS) and radiotherapy in a retrospective national study. CRCBaSe, a nationwide register linkage originating from the Swedish Colorectal Cancer Register, was used to identify Stage I-III CRC patients who underwent resection in 2007-2016, with follow-up throughout 2017. Matched CRC-free comparators (1:6) were included as a reference of SBO and SBO surgery incidence. The association between MIS and preoperative radiotherapy and the incidence rate of SBO was evaluated in adjusted multivariable Cox regression models. Among 33 632 CRC patients and 198 649 comparators, the 5-year cumulative incidence of SBO and SBO surgery was 7.6% and 2.2% among patients and 0.6% and 0.2% among comparators, with death as a competing risk. In all patients, MIS was associated with a reduced incidence of SBO (hazard ratio [HR] 0.7, 95% CI 0.6-0.8) and SBO surgery (HR 0.5, 95% CI 0.3-0.7). In rectal cancer patients, radiotherapy was associated with an increased incidence of SBO (HR 1.6, 95% CI 1.4-1.8) and SBO surgery (HR 1.7, 95% CI 1.3-2.3). Colorectal cancer surgery is associated with a marked increase in risk of SBO, compared with the general population. The incidence is further increased if open surgery or radiotherapy is performed.

Very low risk of short bowel after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass – a large nationwide Swedish cohort study

BackgroundRoux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) is one of the most common bariatric procedures. Internal herniation may lead to small bowel ischemia requiring small bowel resection, resulting in short bowel syndrome. ObjectiveTo determine the incidence of extensive small bowel resection in patients operated with RYGB. We also aimed to look for early clinical warning signs among patients requiring extensive small bowel resection. SettingCohort from national quality registers. MethodsAll patients having undergone RYGB between January 2007 to June 2019 were analyzed in the Scandinavian Obesity Surgery Registry (SOReg). We identified patients with small bowel obstruction (SBO) for whom small bowel resection was necessary. Additionally, we assessed clinical signs in these patients. ResultsThe study included 57,255 patients having undergone RYGB. Closure of the mesenteric openings was performed in 78%. Surgery for SBO was required in 3659 (6%) of patients, and small bowel resection in 188 (.3%). Extensive small bowel resection, resulting in less than 1.5 meters of remaining small bowel, was required in 7 patients (.01%). All patients with extensive small bowel resection presented with abdominal pain and had confirmed internal herniation as the cause of the small bowel resection, and 2 of 7 patients died. Closure of mesenteric defects was not associated with a reduction in overall small bowel resection rates (P = .89) ConclusionSurgery for SBO after RYGB was common (6%). The risk of extensive small bowel resection leading to short bowel was low (.01%). Patients with abdominal pain after RYGB should be assessed for internal hernia, as it can be devastating.

Clinical Features vs CT Findings to Estimate Need for Surgery in Small Bowel Obstruction

This comparative effectiveness research compares the ability of clinical features vs clinical features with computed tomography (CT) to estimate the need for small bowel obstruction surgery.

Impact of delayed intervention following admission for small bowel obstruction: A contemporary analysis

BackgroundThe optimal timing of surgical intervention for small bowel obstruction (SBO) remains debated. MethodsAll adults admitted for SBO were identified in the 2018–2019 National Inpatient Sample. Patients undergoing small bowel resection or lysis of adhesion after three days were considered part of the Delayed cohort. All others were classified as Early. Multivariable regressions were used to assess independent predictors of delayed surgical intervention as well as associations between delayed management and in-hospital mortality, major adverse events (MAE), perioperative complications, postoperative length of stay (LOS), hospitalization costs and non-home discharge. ResultsAmong 28,440 patients who met study criteria, 52.0 % underwent delayed intervention. Black race (AOR 1.19, 95 % CI 1.03–1.36, ref.: White) and Medicare coverage (AOR 1.16, 95 % CI 1.01–1.33, ref.: private payer) were associated with increased odds of delayed surgical management. While delayed intervention was not significantly associated with death (AOR 1.27, 95 % CI 0.97–1.68), it was linked to greater odds of MAE (AOR 1.30, 95 % CI 1.16–1.45) and several perioperative complications. The Delayed cohort also faced an incremental increase in postoperative LOS (+1.29 days, 95 % CI 0.89–1.70) and hospitalization costs (+$11,000, 95 % CI 10,000-12,000). Moreover, delayed intervention was linked to increased odds of non-home discharge (AOR 1.64, 95 % CI 1.47–1.84). ConclusionsDelay in surgical management following SBO is linked to inferior clinical outcomes and increased resource use. Our findings highlight the need to ensure proper timing of surgery for SBO as well as efforts to standardize these practices across all demographics of patients.

Optimal Time to Surgery for Small Bowel Obstruction: A Risk Adjusted Analysis Utilizing the Nationwide Inpatient Sample.

The management of a small bowel obstruction (SBO) remains a challenge for general surgeons. The majority of SBOs can be treated conservatively; however, when surgery is required, the timing of operative intervention remains uncertain. Utilizing a large national database, we sought to evaluate the optimal timeframe for surgery following hospital admission with a diagnosis of SBO. This was a retrospective review utilizing the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (2006-2015). Outcomes following surgery for SBO were identified using ICD-9-CM coding. Two comorbidity indices were utilized to determine severity of illness. Patients were stratified into four groups based on time in days from admission to surgery. Propensity score models were created to predict the number of days until surgery following admission. Multivariate regression analysis was performed to determine risk adjusted postoperative outcomes. We identified 92807 cases of non-elective surgery for SBO. The overall mortality rate was 4.7%. Surgery on days 3-5 was associated with the lowest rate of mortality. A longer preoperative length of stay (LOS) (3-5days) was associated with a significantly greater number of wound (OR = 1.24) and procedural (OR = 1.17) complications compared to day 0. However, delayed surgical intervention (≥6days) was associated with decreased cardiac (OR = .69) and pulmonary complications (OR = .58). After adjustment, a preoperative LOS of 3-5days was associated with a decreased risk of mortality. In addition, increasing preoperative LOS was associated with decreased cardiopulmonary complications. However, an increased risk of procedural and wound complications during this time period suggest surgery may be more technically challenging.

Economic Consequences of Surgery for Adhesive Small Bowel Obstruction: A Population-Based Study.

Most patients develop adhesions after abdominal surgery, some will be hospitalized with small bowel obstruction (SBO), and some also require surgery. The operations and follow-up are expensive, but recent data of costs are scarce. The aim of this study was to describe the direct costs of SBO-surgery and follow-up, in a population-based setting. The association between cost of SBO and peri- and postoperative data was also studied. In a retrospective cohort study, all patients (n = 402) operated for adhesive SBO in Gävleborg and Uppsala counties (2007-2012) were studied. The median follow-up was 8 years. Costs were calculated according to the pricelist of Uppsala University Hospital, Uppsala, Sweden. Overall total costs were €16.267 million, corresponding to a mean total cost per patient of €40,467 during the studied period. Diffuse adhesions and postoperative complications were associated with increased costs for SBO in a multivariable analysis (P < 0.001). Most costs, about €14 million (85%), arouse in conjunction with the SBO-index surgery period. In-hospital stay was the dominating cost, accounting for 70% of the total costs. Surgery for SBO generates substantial economic burden for healthcare systems. Measures that reduce the incidence of SBO, the frequency of postoperative complication, or the length of stay have the potential to reduce this economic burden. The cost estimates from this study may be valuable for future cost-benefit analyses in intervention studies.

ANALYSIS OF PRIMARY SMALL BOWEL TUMORS : A SINGLE CENTRE EXPERIENCE AND REVIEW OF LITERATURE

INTRODUCTION: Despite composing 75% of the length and 90% of the surface area of the gastrointestinal tract, the small bowel develops relatively few primary neoplasms and less than 2% of gastrointestinal malignant neoplasms. Variation in presenting symptoms may delay the treatment and therefore worsen the outcome. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 10 cases of small bowel tumors were operated in Government medical college hospital,Karur from June 2022 to September 2022. Their medical records were analysed retrospectively. DISCUSSION: Small bowel tumours are rare and in total account for less than 10% of gastrointestinal neoplasia. The majority of small bowel neoplasms are benign. They are frequently asymptomatic and identied incidentally. Four major histological types account for over 99% of small bowel malignancies that includes adenocarcinoma, carcinoid tumours, lymphomas and GIST. CONCLUSION: Small bowel tumors have a rare incidence and classically presents late, most often diagnosed after surgery for small bowel obstruction or perforation. Appropriate evaluation of presenting symptoms helps in early diagnosis and prompt treatment

Laparoscopic Management of Acute Small Bowel Obstruction in Non-Selected Patients: A 10-Year Experience.

The laparoscopic approach to the management of small bowel obstruction (SBO) has been associated with reduced length of hospital stay, complications, and mortality. The laparoscopy-first approach has been limited to highly selective cases to date. In this retrospective observational study, we report our 10-year experience and outcomes within a dedicated Emergency Surgery unit that adopted a non-selective approach in the laparoscopic management of SBO. The surgical approach to all patients that underwent surgery for SBO by an experienced Emergency Surgeon, over a period of 10 years, was divided into two groups of open surgery (OS) or laparoscopy-first (LF). Outcomes included length of stay, complications, mortality, readmission rates and reasons for conversion. Data were reviewed to identify patterns of learning. A total of 189 patients were included in the study. A total of 81.5% were managed with an LF approach. Of these, 25.3% required conversion. LF patients had a similar length of stay, lower 30-day readmission rates and wound complications. Reasons for conversion included need for bowel resection, perforation, and malignancy. Our study had a high intention-to-treat LF population and identified major indications for conversion. As our laparoscopic experience increased, conversion rates substantially reduced. We propose that a LF approach is feasible and can benefit from training within dedicated Emergency Surgery teams.

Small Bowel Obstruction in Patients without Prior Abdominal Surgery: To Operate or Not?

Surgical exploration is still considered mandatory in the setting of small bowel obstruction (SBO) in patients without prior intra-abdominal surgery. However, recent studies have challenged this 'classic' approach describing success with conservative non-surgical treatment. The aim of this study is to identify clinical, radiological and biochemical variables that may be associated with the absence of intra-abdominal pathology in patients with SBO who have not undergone previous surgery. This is a retrospective cohort study of prospectively recorded data. Patients with SBO without prior abdominal surgery who presented to a single tertiary referral medical center between 2009 and 2019 were included. Eighty-seven patients were included of whom 61(70.0%) were allocated to the 'therapeutic exploration' group and 26 (30.0%) to the 'non-therapeutic exploration' group. Forty-eight patients (55.0%) had adhesions, 17.2% had closed-loop obstruction, 10.0% had an internal hernia, 27.6% had bowel ischemia and 5.7% had bowel necrosis. Although multiple clinical, laboratory, radiological and preoperative factors were examined, none were significantly associated with pathological findings during surgical exploration. There was no statistically significant difference in the incidence of complications when comparing between those groups. In this series, no variables were associated with intra-abdominal pathology in patients who underwent surgery for SBO with no history of prior abdominal surgery. However, the fact that 27.0% had ischemic bowel upon surgical exploration suggests that this approach is still mandatory for this specific group of patients. Furthermore, clinicians and patients should be aware that negative exploration may be expected in up to 30.0%.

A Danish study on emergency or urgent surgery for small bowel obstruction in adults: Incidence, causes, administration of antibiotics, and infectious complications

BackgroundSmall bowel obstruction is potentially life-threatening; however, the incidence of surgery for small bowel obstruction is unknown, the patient characteristics are poorly described, and the triggers for giving antibiotics with possible influence on complications are unclear. The aims of this study were to fill these gaps to describe the incidence and the characteristics of patients undergoing surgery for small bowel obstruction and to identify triggers for giving antibiotics and the association with postoperative infections. MethodsFrom July 1, 2014, to July 31, 2015, we included adult patients undergoing surgery for small bowel obstruction at 3 hospitals representing one Danish region. We collected information on patient characteristics, diagnosis, antibiotics, and infectious complications until postoperative day 90 and survival until 1 year. ResultsThe 3 hospitals serve a population of 656,353 adults, and treatment is free of charge. A total of 192 patients underwent emergency surgery for small bowel obstruction in the period (incidence: 27/100,000 citizens or 1,200 operations in Denmark annually). The patients with small bowel obstruction had adhesive obstruction (62%), neoplasms (11%), or hernias (7%). A total of 83% received antibiotic prophylaxis, and triggers were preoperative elevated C-reactive protein [odds ratio (95% confidence intervals): 2.49 (1.04–5.98), P = .041] or resection of the bowel [3.10 (1.22–7.89), P = .017]. The incidence of postoperative infections was not reduced among patients receiving antibiotics. ConclusionWe found that 27/100,000 patients undergo surgery for small bowel obstruction in Denmark each year. Adhesive obstruction was the primary reason (62%). A total of 83% received prophylactic antibiotics triggered by elevated C-reactive protein or bowel resection. We found no association between antibiotic use and infectious complications.

Risk factors for Post-operative Complications of Surgical Interventions done in Small Bowel Obstruction (SBO): A study of 100 cases

Background: Small bowel obstruction (SBO) is one of the most frequent indications for emergency surgery, and is known as a high-risk procedure with a morbidity and mortality rates at 20-30% and 3-5% respectively. Although it is a frequent surgery encountered in daily practice but less scientific work is noticed regarding this topic. The aim of the study was to identify the risk factors associated with various post-operative complications of different surgical interventions done for small bowel obstruction (SBO). Methods: This hospital based observational study was conducted at the department of surgery in Jahurul Islam Medical College Hospital, from January 2018 to June 2019. Patients undergoing surgery for SBO were included in the study. Informed consent was taken from all study subjects and ethical issues were ensured. Data were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire. Collected data were analyzed by the SPSS v22. Results: Out of 100 patients, 66% were male. Mean age was 47.46±13.46 years and prevalent (54%) age group was 41 – 60 years. The most common cause of acute small bowel obstruction was band and adhesion (38%), followed by obstructed hernia (30%), intestinal tuberculosis (15%), obstruction due to neoplasm (9%), intussusception (4%), Crohn’s disease (2%) and worm bolus (2%). During operation 78% patients had clear peritoneal content, 14% had hemorrhagic peritoneal content and 8% had purulent content. Condition of the gut was viable in 83%, reversibly ischemic and gangrenous bowel were present in 10% and 7% cases respectively. Most frequent complications were wound infection (14%) followed by post-operative ileus (6%) and basal atelectasis (6%). Delay in presentation was significantly associated with the development of post-operative complications (p&lt;0.05). Other factors that were significantly associated with the development of post-operative complications were presence of prior sepsis (p=0.01), age of more than 65 years (p=0.03), presence of multiple comorbidities (p&lt;0.01) and a BMI of more than 30 (p&lt;0.05). Conclusion: Post-operative complications were more common in those who presented late. Other factors that were significantly associated with the development of post-operative complications were presence of prior sepsis, age&gt;65 years, presence of multiple comorbidities and a BMI of &gt;30. Bangladesh Crit Care J September 2021; 9 (2): 87-93

The laparoscopy in emergency general surgery (LEGS) study: a questionnaire survey of UK practice.

Recent consensus guidelines suggest that the laparoscopic approach may be a useful, safe and feasible approach in emergency general surgery. Despite this, the UK National Emergency Laparotomy Audit (NELA) suggests the rate of laparoscopy is low (9% fully laparoscopic) and slow to increase over time. A European survey found uptake to be variable. This UK survey was therefore undertaken to establish current UK practice and to determine factors affecting implementation. A questionnaire survey of currently practising UK consultant general surgeons was carried out by the North West Surgical Research Collaborative, using a secure web-based database maintained by the North West Surgical Trials Centre. A total of 151 completed questionnaires were returned from 22 UK centres; 18% of respondents were unaware that laparoscopic cases should be reported to NELA. Appendicectomy (97%) and cholecystectomy (87%) were routinely performed laparoscopically. Laparoscopy was infrequently used in perforation, ischaemia or obstructed hernias. There appears to be equipoise regarding laparoscopic compared with open surgery in small-bowel obstruction among all subspecialty emergency general surgeons, in perforated peptic ulcer among upper gastrointestinal surgeons and in Hinchey III diverticulitis among colorectal surgeons. Uptake of laparoscopy in UK emergency general surgery is influenced by surgeon preference, subspecialty, patient and operative factors. Further research into outcomes may help to identify areas of greatest potential benefit. The rate of laparoscopy reported by NELA may be an underestimate due to the 18% of surgeons unaware that laparoscopic cases should be reported, which may affect the validity of analyses performed from this dataset.

Late Abdominal Reoperations after Surgery for Necrotizing Enterocolitis and Spontaneous Intestinal Perforation.

The aim of this study was retrospective assessment of late major reoperations after surgery for necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) and spontaneous intestinal perforation (SIP) in neonates. Appropriate ethical consent was obtained. Data collection was by review of hospital records of 165 successive prematures who underwent surgery for NEC (n = 99) or SIP (n = 66) from 1986 to 2019. Outcome measures were late major abdominal surgeries or endoscopies that occurred after the primary surgical treatment, closure of enterostomies, and weaning from parenteral nutrition (PN). We assessed also risk factors for late abdominal surgeries. Hundred and twenty-six (76%) patients (NEC, n = 70, 71% and in SIP, n = 56, 85%) survived. Median follow-up was 13 (interquartile range: 5.9-23) years. Nineteen (15%) patients underwent late abdominal surgery with 0% mortality. Most common was surgery for small bowel obstruction (SBO) in 12(9.5%) patients (NEC, n = 5; 7.0%, SIP, n = 7; 13%, p = 0.36) with 10-year cumulative risk of 8.7 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.5-14). Long duration of PN and development of intestinal failure associated cholestasis (IFAC) increased the risk of SBO surgery, relative risk: 1.0-3.2 (95% CI: 1.0-9.1), p = 0.02-0.03. Other surgeries included serial transverse enteroplasty (NEC, n = 2), incisional hernia repair (n = 3), cholecystectomy (n = 1), and ovarian torsion (n = 1). Twenty (29%) NEC and four (7%) SIP patients required endoscopic assessment of postoperative symptoms (p = 0.003). Late abdominal reoperations occurred in 15% of patients with NEC and SIP with nil mortality. SBO was the main indication. Risk of SBO was similar between NEC and SIP. Long PN and IFAC increased the risk of SBO.

Diagnosis of single adhesive bands versus matted adhesions in small bowel obstructions: a radiological predictive score

The objective was to develop a radiological score obtained from multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT) to differentiate between single band adhesion (SBA) and matted adhesions (MA) as the etiology of small bowel obstruction (SBO). All consecutive patients who underwent surgery from January 2013 to June 2018 for adhesion-induced SBO were retrospectively included. Among the 193 patients having surgery for SBO, 119 (61.6%) had SBA and 74 (38.4%) had MA surgically proven. In multivariate analysis, the presence of a beak sign (OR = 3.47, CI [1.26; 9.53], p = 0.02), a closed loop (OR = 11.37, CI [1.84; 70.39], p = 0.009), focal mesenteric haziness (OR = 3.71, CI [1.33; 10.34], p = 0.01) and focal and diffuse peritoneal fluid (OR = 4.30, CI [1.45; 12.73], p = 0.009 and OR = 6.34, CI [1.77; 22.59], p = 0.004, respectively) were significantly associated with SBA. Conversely, the presence of diffuse mesenteric fluid without focal fluid (OR = 0.23, CI [0.06; 0.92], p = 0.04) and an increase of the diameter of the most dilated loop (OR = 0.94, CI [0.90; 0.99], p = 0.02) were inversely associated with SBA. Using the significant predictive factors of SBA, we built a composite score to radiologically predict the etiology of SBO. The area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve of the score was 0.8274. For a cut-off score of -0.523, sensitivity, specificity and the percentage of patients correctly classified were 78.4%, 84.6% and 80%, respectively. If the score is ≥ 7, the probability that the mechanism of SBO is not SBA was 100%. The present score, validated in a different population, could be a significant tool in the decision for surgical management.