Postoperative Surgical Recurrence Research Articles

Positive resection margins in Crohn’s disease are a relevant risk factor for postoperative disease recurrence

Postoperative disease recurrence in Crohn’s disease represents a relevant issue despite recent advancements in surgical and medical therapies. Additional criteria are necessary to improve the identification of patients at risk and to enable selective therapeutic approaches. The role of resection margins on disease recurrence remains unclear and general recommendations are lacking. A single-center retrospective analysis was performed including all patients who received ileocecal resection due to Crohn’s disease. Resection margins were analyzed by two independent pathologists and defined by histopathological criteria based on previous consensus reports. 158 patients were included for analysis with a median follow up of 35 months. While postoperative morbidity was not affected, positive resection margins resulted in significantly increased rates of severe endoscopic recurrence at 6 months (2.0% versus 15.6%, p = 0.02) and overall (4.2% versus 19.6%, p = 0.001), which resulted in significantly increased numbers of surgical recurrence (0% versus 4.5%, p = 0.04). Additionally, positive margins were identified as independent risk factor for severe endoscopic disease recurrence in a multivariate analysis. Based on that, positive margins represent an independent risk factor for postoperative endoscopic and surgical disease recurrence. Prospective studies are required to determine whether extended resection or postoperative medical prophylaxis is beneficial for patients with positive resection margins.

Long-term risk of delayed postoperative Crohn's disease recurrence in patients with no or mild endoscopic recurrence at first assessment.

Early endoscopic evaluation is recommended for assessment of postoperative recurrence (POR) of Crohn's disease (CD) but no further monitoring recommendations are available. To evaluate the long-term outcome of patients without endoscopic POR at first endoscopic assessment. Retrospective four-centre study including consecutive CD patients with ileocolonic resection (ICR) without endoscopic POR (Rutgeerts score i0-i1) at first endoscopic assessment performed within 18 months from ICR. All patients had a clinical follow-up ≥24 months and at least one further endoscopic assessment. Main outcomes were endoscopic, clinical and surgical POR, need for rescue therapy and "delayed POR" (any need for rescue therapy or clinical or surgical POR) during follow-up. Overall, 183 patients were included (79% with risk factors for POR, 44% without postoperative prophylaxis). Endoscopic POR was observed in 42% of patients. Clinical POR-free survival was 89.4% and 81.5% at 3 and 5 years, and delayed POR-free survival was 76.9% and 63.4% at 5 and 10 years, respectively. In multivariate analysis, postoperative prophylaxis (HR .55; 95% CI .325-.942) and active smoking (HR 1.72; 95%CI 1.003-2.962) were independent risk factors for clinical POR, whereas presence of mild endoscopic lesions at index ileocolonoscopy (i1) was the only risk factor for delayed POR (HR 1.824; 95% CI 1.108-3.002). Long-term risk of POR among patients with no or mild endoscopic lesions at first ileocolonoscopy after surgery is steadily low, being higher among smokers, in the absence of postoperative prophylaxis and when mild endoscopic lesions are observed in the first endoscopic assessment.

Management of Post-Operative Crohn's Disease: Knowns and Unknowns.

Crohn's disease (CD) is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the gastrointestinal tract characterized by relapsing-remission phases. CD often requires surgical intervention during its course, mainly ileo-cecal/ileo-colonic resection. However, surgery in CD is not curative and post-operative recurrence (POR) can happen. The management of CD after surgery presents challenges. Ensuring timely, effective, and safe therapy to prevent POR is essential but difficult, considering that approximately 20-30% of subjects may not experience endoscopic POR and that 40-50% will only exhibit intermediate lesions, which carry a low risk of mid- and long-term clinical and surgical POR. Currently, there are two accepted intervention strategies: early post-operative prophylactic therapy (systematically or based on the patient's risk of recurrence) or starting therapy after confirming endoscopic POR 6-12 months after surgery (endoscopy-driven prophylactic therapy). The risk of overtreatment lies in exposing patients to undesired adverse events, along with the costs associated with medications. Conversely, undertreatment may lead to missed opportunities to prevent bowel damage and the necessity for additional surgery. This article aims to perform a comprehensive review regarding the optimal strategy to reduce the risk of POR in CD patients and the current therapeutic options.

P832 Postoperative fever and CRP levels as predictive markers of postoperative recurrence of Crohn’s disease after ileocolic resection

Abstract Background Studies have shown that postoperative C-reactive protein (CRP) levels in patients with Crohn’s disease (CD) undergoing ileocolic resections (ICR) are higher than in control patients operated for cancer. This study aims to verify the association between postoperative fever and CRP levels with CD recurrence. Methods We performed a single-centre retrospective study of all CD patients undergoing an ICR between 2009 and 2019. CRP levels and fever (body temperature >38.5 °C) were measured preoperatively and during the first 7 postoperative days (POD). A colonoscopy was performed within 12 months after surgery. Endoscopic postoperative recurrence (POR) was defined as a modified Rutgeerts score ≥i2b. Surgical recurrence as the need for reoperation due to CD recurrence at the level of the ileocolic anastomosis. A multivariate regression model for longitudinal measures was used to obtain estimates of postoperative CRP levels. Association between fever and estimates of CRP levels with endoscopic and surgical POR was evaluated through a multivariate analysis including sex, age, Montreal classification, use of advanced therapies prior to surgery, associated surgical procedures, smoking habit, and continuation/initiation of medical therapy after surgery. Results We identified 372 patients, of which 299 (80.4%) had complicated CD (Montreal B2+B3) and 166 (44.7%) already received advanced therapies before surgery. 92 (24.7%) were active smokers at the time of surgery. In 26 patients (7.0%), one or more strictureplasties were performed simultaneously to the ICR. Prophylactic medical treatment was restarted/initiated immediately after surgery in only 9.7% of the patients. Estimates of CRP level at POD -1, +1, +3, and +5 were 9.23 mg/L (CI 7.85;10.86), 63.05 mg/L (CI 58.63;67.80), 82.55 mg/L (CI 75.09;90.76), and 56.79 mg/L (CI 49.76;64.81), respectively. Overall, 154/367 patients (42.0%) with available body temperature measures, experienced fever postoperatively. Endoscopic POR occurred in 144/332 patients (43.37%) with an available colonoscopy within 12 months postoperatively (Table 1). Surgical POR was 7.0% (CI 4.9%-11.1%) and 11.8% (CI 5.7%-8.8%) at 3 and 5 years follow-up, respectively (Figure 1). No association between postoperative fever and CRP levels estimates with either endoscopic (p=0.49; p=0.06) or surgical POR (p=0.52; p=0.07] was observed. Conclusion Despite previous evidence suggesting that CD patients develop an enhanced postoperative inflammatory response, CRP levels and fever after ICR do not seem predictive of early endoscopic (<12 months) or long-term surgical POR. Therefore, they should not be considered to stratify patients for postoperative medical prophylactic therapy.

P573 Simplified MARIA score does not predict long-term outcomes in Crohn’s disease patients undergoing modified side-to-side strictureplasty for extensive ileitis

Abstract Background Strictureplasty techniques were developed to limit the risk of short bowel syndrome in Crohn’s disease (CD) patients with affected small intestine. In the setting of extensive small bowel disease, long strictures might be treated with modified side-to-side isoperistaltic strictureplasty (SSIS). We studied long-term outcomes in patients who underwent SSIS and evaluated if radiological features on MR enterography (MRE) predict them. Methods This retrospective study included CD patients who underwent SSIS, for whom preoperative and six-month postoperative MRE were routinely performed. Simplified MARIA (MARIAs) score, considering wall thickness, edema, fat stranding and ulcers (score >1 active CD; maximum 5) was used. Improvement in maximal wall thickness was defined as decrease of at least 30% from baseline. Deep remission was defined as absence of symptoms and endoscopic remission (mRutgeerts score ≤i1), and clinical recurrence as occurrence of new symptoms confirmed by endoscopy (mRutgeerts score ≥i2b) or radiology (new strictures/inflammation) requiring treatment. Clinical data were collected from medical records. The correlation between recurrence and features within the MARIAs score was assessed. Results Thirty CD patients underwent SSIS and had pre- and six-month postoperative MRE (table). Immediately after surgery, 13 (43.3%) patients were continued or initiated on advanced therapy. Over a median [IQR] follow-up of 7.4 [3.3-9.3] years, 17 (56.7%) patients showed clinical recurrence of whom 6 (20.0%) needed surgical reintervention (figure). Deep remission was observed in 8 (26.7%) patients. Preoperatively, all patients had a maximum MARIAs score of 5. After surgery, the median [IQR] change in MARIAs score was 0.0 [0.0-0.8]. Cox regression analysis showed no association between decrease in overall MARIAs score, nor separate components of this score, with clinical or surgical recurrence free survival. Wall thickness decrease of >30%, observed in 15 (50%) patients, showed a trend for clinical recurrence free survival (p=0.098). Three patients showed normalization of MARIAs score and showed no recurrence thereafter. None of the clinical variables collected showed significant association with recurrence, except for immediate postoperative advanced therapy which had a 70% protection from clinical recurrence [p=0.036 / HR 0.3 (0.097-0.92)]. Conclusion Long-term follow-up of CD patients undergoing SSIS showed that 57% of patients had clinical recurrence and 20% needed surgical reintervention. The MARIAs score was not predictive of long-term postoperative clinical or surgical recurrence as most features of the score remained unaltered. These shortcomings of the MARIAs score should be addressed when designing improved scoring tools.

Complications and Disease Recurrence After Ileocecal Resection in Pediatric Crohn's Disease: A Retrospective Study.

The aim of this retrospective study was to describe the risk of postoperative recurrence (POR) after ileocecal resection, the occurrence of surgical complications, and identify predictors of these adverse postoperative outcomes in pediatric Crohn's disease (CD). All the children less than 18 years of age with a diagnosis of CD, who underwent primary ileocecal resection for CD between January 2006 and December 2016 in our tertiary center, were considered for inclusion. Factors related to POR were investigated. A total of 377 children were followed for CD between 2006 and 2016. During this period, 45 (12%) children needed an ileocecal resection. POR was diagnosed in 16% (n = 7) at 1 year and 35% (n = 15) at the end of the follow-up, with a median follow-up of 2.3 years (Q1-Q3 1.8-3.3). Median duration of the postoperative clinical remission was 1.5 years (range 0.5-2). Multivariate Cox regression analysis identified only young age at diagnosis as a risk factor for POR.In total, 7 of the 43 patients (16%) developed severe postoperative complications, defined as requiring surgical, endoscopic, or radiological intervention. The only risk factor was intraoperative abscess. Only young age at diagnosis was associated with POR. This information could be useful to develop targeted therapeutic strategies for young CD children. At the end of follow-up with a median follow-up of 2.3 years (Q1-Q3 1.8-3.3), there was no surgical POR: endoscopic dilatation for POR should be considered in order to delay or prevent surgery.

P522 Kono-S anastomosis reduces endoscopic and surgical post-operative recurrence in Crohn’s disease. The SuPREMe-CD Trial Update.

Abstract Background Recently, a new antimesenteric, functional, end-to-end, hand-sewn ileocolic anastomosis (Kono-S) has shown a significant reduction in endoscopic recurrence (ER) and surgical recurrence (SR) rate in Crohn’s disease (CD). This trial aimed to provide randomized controlled data comparing Kono-S anastomosis and conventional stapled ileocolic side-to-side anastomosis. Methods Randomized controlled trial (RCT) at a tertiary referral centre. The primary endpoint is ER rate (Rutgeerts score ≥ i2) after 6 months and surgical recurrence at 60 months. Secondary endpoints are clinical recurrence (CR) rate after 24 and 36 months, and SR after 24 and 36 months. Statistics was performed by using standard analyses. Furthermore, a sample size able to consent the detection of a reduction >30% in total endoscopic recurrence (when assuming a 60% to 65% ER expected rate in the control group and a 30% in the case group) was calculated; to allow a 10% drop-out of patients, 36 patients per group were needed (72 patients in the entire population). Results A total of 119 CD patients were included in the study. In all, 51 ileocolic CD patients were randomized in the Kono group and 68 in the conventional side-to-side group. At 6 months, 17 (33.3%) patients in the Kono group and 51 (75%) patients in the conventional group presented an ER (Rutgeerts score≥i2) at colonoscopy (p<0.001). A severe post-operative ER (Rutgeerts score≥i3) was found in 8 (15.7%) patients in the Kono group versus 23 (33.8%) patients in the conventional group (p=0.03). At 24 months, CR rate was 19.6% in the Kono group versus 30.9% in the conventional group (p=0.2), while SR rate was 0% in the Kono group versus 4.4% (3 patients) in the standard group (p=0.2). At 36 months, CR rate was 19.6% in the Kono-s group versus 33.8% in the conventional group (p=0.1). At 36 months, no patients (0%) in the Kono group experienced SR, while 6 patients (8.8%) in the conventional group did (p=0.03). Furthermore, when considering a median follow-up of 54 (42-60) months at interim analysis of SR, the difference between the two groups was confirmed to be significant (0% vs 8.8%; p=0.02). Conclusion This is the first RCT comparing Kono-S anastomosis and conventional side-to-side anastomosis in CD. The results demonstrate a significant reduction in postoperative endoscopic and surgical recurrence rates, no safety issues, and a favourable trend for lower clinical recurrence rate in patients who underwent Kono-S anastomosis compared to the conventional side-to-side anastomosis.

Comparison of the risk of Crohn's disease postoperative recurrence between modified Rutgeerts score i2a and i2b categories: an individual patient data meta-analysis.

The modified Rutgeerts' score differentiates i2a - lesions confined to the anastomosis - and i2b - more than 5 aphthous ulcers in the neoterminal ileum with normal intervening mucosa, with or without anastomotic lesions - categories. Its relevance for the therapeutic management of Crohn's disease (CD) patients after ileocolic resection is still debated. Our objective was to compare the postoperative recurrence risk in patients with an i2a or i2b score using an individual patient data meta-analysis. We conducted a systematic literature search until July 2020 to identify all relevant studies reporting the i2a/i2b status in the year following ileocolic resection and clinical and/or surgical postoperative CD recurrence in their follow-up. Individual patient level data were obtained from the corresponding authors. The association between the modified RS and time-to-event was evaluated using a mixed Cox model with the center as the random effect. Seven studies published between 2008 and 2019 were included corresponding to 400 patients: 189 (47%) i2a and 211 (53%) i2b. Median (interquartile range, IQR) time from ileocolic resection to ileocolonoscopy was 6.2 (5.5, 7.9) months and median (IQR) follow-up time after ileocolonoscopy was 4.5 (2.9, 7.3) years. The risk of clinical postoperative recurrence at 1 and 3 years was 11% [6%-15%], and 25% [18%-32%] in the i2a group versus 9% [5%-13%] and 33% [26%-41%] in the i2b group (p=0.63 and p=0.12, respectively). No significant difference was observed in terms of time to clinical postoperative recurrence (p=0.16) or surgical postoperative recurrence (p=0.87). Results did not change after excluding patients having initiated an immunosuppressant or a biologic in the three months after endoscopy (remaining cohort, n=361). In this individual patient data meta-analysis, no difference was observed between i2a and i2b subcategories with regards to clinical or surgical postoperative recurrence. As we wait for prospective trials, the same treatment strategy could be applied to all patients classified as i2 on the Rutgeerts score.

The Prevalence of Concomitant Skip Small Bowel Lesions in Crohn’s Disease and Their Effects on Reoperation in Patients Undergoing Ileocolic Resection

AimsConcomitant lesions in the small intestine are common in Crohn’s disease (CD). This study aimed to detect the incidence of small bowel (SB) lesions in patients undergoing surgical resection for symptomatic ileocolic disease and whether concomitant SB lesions are associated with reoperation due to recurrent CD. MethodsIn this observational, historical cohort study, consecutive patients with CD undergoing primary ileocolic resection (ICR) from 2007 to 2019 were included. Clinical variables and intraoperative findings were extracted from a prospectively maintained database and analyzed by Cox proportional hazards regression models for identifying risk factors of reoperation. ResultsOf the 404 patients included, there were 202 (50%) patients having concomitant SB lesions, and 108 of them underwent concurrent surgical intervention for SB lesions whereas 94 did not. The presence of concomitant SB lesions was a risk factor for reoperation (p = 0.041). Subgroup analysis indicated that patients with concomitant uncomplicated SB lesions left in situ had a comparable rate of reoperation (p = 0.605) whereas patients having concomitant complicated SB lesions undergoing simultaneous surgical intervention showed a higher reoperation rate (P = 0.006) when compared with those without concomitant SB lesions. Interestingly, the adverse effects of concomitant SB lesions can be reversed in the setting of postoperative anti-TNF agents [HR 0.2; 95% CI (0.04–0.9); P=0.040]. ConclusionsConcomitant SB lesion(s), especially those complicated lesions, could be a risk factor for postoperative surgical recurrence in patients undergoing ICR. Active postoperative management strategies such as anti-TNF agents should be provided for these patients.

DOP34 Comparison of the risk of clinical recurrence after ileocolonic resection for Crohn’s Disease for modified Rutgeerts’ score i2a and i2b categories: Individual patient data meta-analysis

Abstract Background The modified Rutgeerts’ score (mRS) differentiates i2a – lesions confined to the anastomosis – and i2b – neoterminal ileum lesions – categories. Its relevance for therapeutic management of Crohn’s disease (CD) patients after ileocolonic resection is still debated. Our objective was to compare the postoperative recurrence (POR) risk in patients with a mRS i2a or i2b score using an individual patient data meta-analysis. Methods We conducted a systematic literature search of Medline, Embase and abstracts from international conferences (until July 2020) to identify all relevant studies reporting the risk of clinical and/or surgical POR and the i2a/i2b status in the year following ileocolonic resection. Initial datasets were obtained from the corresponding authors. Time from endoscopy to clinical and surgical POR was estimated using Kaplan-Meier method. The association between time to event and mRS was evaluated using a mixed Cox with centre as the random effect. Results From the 17 studies identified, 7 published between 2008 and 2019 (cohort studies, n=4; clinical trials, n=2) corresponding to a total of 400 patients (median (InterQuartileRange) age at surgery 34 (26,47) years; 52% female) were included. In the year following ileocolonic resection, 189 (47%) patients displayed an i2a mRS and 211 (53%) an i2b. In the i2b group, we observed more male patients (56% versus 41%, p=0.01), more patients with previous ileocolonic resection (31% versus 21%, p=0.03) and temporary ileostomy (14% versus 6%, p=0.03) and an immunosuppressant or antiTNF therapy was more frequently initiated after endoscopy (42% versus 26%, p<0.01 and 36% versus 54%, p<0.01, respectively). The risk of clinical POR at 1, 3 and 5 years was 11% [6%-15%], 25% [18%-32%] and 36% [27%-43%] in the i2a group and 9% [5%-13%], 33% [26%-41%] and 47% [39%-56%] in the i2b group (p=0.63, p=0.12, et p=0.05 respectively). No significant difference was observed in terms of time to clinical POR (Hazard Ratio (HR)=1.27; Confidence Interval 95% [0.91,1.76]; p=0.16) (Figure 1) or surgical POR (HR=0.94; CI95% [0.44,2.00]; p=0.87). After exclusion of patients having initiated an immunosuppressant or a biologic in the 3 months after endoscopy (remaining cohort, n=361), no difference was observed in terms of clinical POR (HR=1.29 [0.92,1.80]; p=0.13) or surgical POR (HR=0.85 [0.39,1.84]; p=0.68). Conclusion In this individual patient data meta-analysis, no difference is observed between i2a and i2b mRS subcategories in terms of clinical, surgical or endoscopic POR. Limits of the mRS may explain this lack of predictive value.

Patients with Crohn's Disease Undergoing Abdominal Surgery: Clinical and Prognostic Evaluation Based on a Single-Center Cohort in China.

The incidence and prevalence of Crohn's disease (CD) are increasing in China, but there are few reports on the characteristics of patients requiring abdominal surgery. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical characteristics of these patients and the potential risk factors for postoperative complications and surgical recurrence. In this observational, retrospective single-center cohort analysis, patients with CD who had undergone at least one abdominal surgery at our center from 2007 to 2020 were included. Data were collected from a prospectively maintained database. Clinical factors were assessed by logistic regression models, Kaplan-Meier methods, and Cox proportional hazards regression models. The predictive accuracy of the nomogram was determined by a concordance index (C-index) and calibration curve and was validated using bootstrap resampling. In the 1639 patients, clinical characteristics were evaluated. In a multivariable logistic regression model, penetrating behavior (P = 0.002), emergency surgery (P = 0.010), and smoking status (P = 0.015) were significantly associated with an increased risk of postoperative septic complications. In contrast, staged surgery (P = 0.009) was inversely associated with postoperative complications. Upper gastrointestinal disease (P = 0.042), penetrating behavior (P = 0.027), emergency at initial surgery (P < 0.001) were significantly associated with an increased risk of surgical recurrence after the index surgery in our Cox regression model, whereas staged surgery (P = 0.036) was significantly associated with a decreased risk. The C-index of the nomogram for predicting recurrence was 0.744 (P = 0.015), and calibration curves showed good agreement between predictions of 3, 5, and 10years of recurrence and actual observations. There are several disease- and surgery-associated risk factors of postoperative adverse outcomes in patients with CD undergoing abdominal surgery. This is important in optimizing the management of CD which has evolved into a global disease with rising prevalence in newly industrialized countries including China.

S954 Impact of Isolated Anastomotic Inflammation on Future Disease Progression: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Introduction: There is conflicting data on the impact of isolated anastomotic lesions on Crohn’s disease (CD) recurrence following ileocolic resection (ICR). We aimed to evaluate the risk of endoscopic and surgical postoperative recurrence (POR) in individuals with isolated anastomotic lesions (Rutgeerts’ i2a) compared to mild ileal disease (Rutgeerts’ i2b). Methods: A comprehensive search of multiple databases (through June 2021) was performed to identify studies that reported outcomes using modified Rutgeerts’ score after ICR in patients with CD. Outcomes assessed included endoscopic and surgical POR. Endoscopic POR was defined as progression to i3 or i4 disease on subsequent colonoscopy and surgical POR was defined as need for further resection after index ICR. The odds ratio were calculated using random effect models. Results: A total of 393 patients (i2a =203 and i2b =190) were included from 4 studies. The median age was 36 years (range 26 – 48) and 51% were females. Mean follow up ranged from 2-5 years. A total of 175 patient had repeat colonoscopy on follow up. There was no significant difference rate of endoscopic POR between i2a and i2b disease with odds ratio of 0.62 (95% confidence interval, 0.15 – 2.57, I2=76%) from 3 studies (P= 0.51) (Figure 1a). Similarly, rates of surgical POR were also similar between i2a and i2b group with OR of 0.74 (95% CI, 0.32 – 1.73, I2=11%) (P=0.49) (Figure 1b). We were unable to compare rates of clinical POR due to only 2 studies reporting this outcome. Conclusion: In this meta-analysis of POR risk following ICR for CD, there were no significant differences in endoscopic or surgical recurrence rates by Rutgeerts’ i2 subcategory. The study is limited by sample size and significant heterogeneity for endoscopic recurrence. Larger studies with congruent outcomes are needed to validate these findings and resolve differences.Figure 1.: Forrest plot showing odds ratio of endoscopic postoperative recurrence (A) and surgical postoperative recurrence (B) between i2a and i2b groups.

Role of Extended Mesenteric Excision in Postoperative Recurrence of Crohn's Colitis: A Single-Center Study.

INTRODUCTION:The mesentery is involved in Crohn's disease. The impact of the extent of mesenteric resection on postoperative disease progression in Crohn's disease remains unconfirmed. This study aimed to determine the association between resection of the mesentery and postoperative outcomes in patients with Crohn's colitis (CC) undergoing colorectal surgery.METHODS:Patients with CC who underwent colorectal resection between January 2000 and December 2018 were reviewed, and the data were gathered from a prospectively maintained database. Patients were divided into 2 groups according to the extent of mesenteric resection, the extensive mesenteric excision (EME) group and the limited mesenteric excision (LME) group. Outcomes including early postoperative morbidities and surgical recurrence were compared between the 2 groups.RESULTS:Of the 126 patients included, 60 were in the LME group and 66 in the EME group. There was no significant difference between the 2 groups in early postsurgical outcomes except the intraoperative blood loss was increased in the LME group (P = 0.002). Patients in the EME group had a longer postoperative surgical recurrence-free survival time when compared with those in the LME group (P = 0.01). LME was an independent predictor of postoperative surgical recurrence (hazard ratio 2.67, 95% confidence interval 1.04–6.85, P = 0.04). This was further confirmed in the subgroup analysis of patients undergoing colorectal resection and anastomosis (hazard ratio 2.83, 95% confidence interval 1.01–7.96, P = 0.048).DISCUSSION:In patients undergoing surgery for CC, inclusion of the mesentery is associated with similar short-term outcomes and improved long-term outcomes compared with those seen when the mesentery is retained.

Colonic disease recurrence following proctectomy with end colostomy for anorectal Crohn’s disease

In patients with anorectal Crohn's disease, it remains uncertain whether a total proctocolectomy with end ileostomy or proctectomy with end colostomy should be recommended due to the unknown rate of disease recurrence in the remaining colon. A retrospective review of all patients with a known diagnosis of Crohn's disease who underwent a proctectomy with end colostomy for distal Crohn's disease between January 1, 2010 and January 1, 2019 at two IBD referral centres was conducted. Data collected included patient demographics, surgical variables at the time of proctectomy, and postoperative clinical, endoscopic and surgical recurrence rates. A total of 63 patients were included; mean age was 47years (SD 15years) and 32 (50.8%) were female. The majority of patients underwent a proctectomy with end colostomy (n=56; 88.9%) while the remaining seven patients (11.1%) underwent a proctectomy with end colostomy and concurrent ileocectomy. A total of 55 patients (87.3%) had proctitis, 51 (81%) had perianal fistulating disease, and 34 (54%) had anal canal stenosis or ulceration. Most patients had medically refractory disease (n=54; 85.7%) versus neoplasia (n=9; 14.3%). The median length of long-term follow-up was 17.7months (IQR: 4.72, 38.7months). During that time, 14 (22.2%) experienced clinical recurrence, 10 of 34 evaluated (29.4%) had endoscopic recurrence, and 3 (4.76%) required a completion total abdominal colectomy for recurrent medically refractory disease in the colon. Colonic recurrence remains low following proctectomy and descending colostomy suggesting this operative management strategy is reasonable in Crohn's patients with distal disease.

Quantifying the rate of recurrence of postoperative Crohn's disease with biological therapy. A meta-analysis.

Preventing the postoperative recurrence (POR) of Crohn's disease (CD) poses a significant challenge to clinicians. With the advent of biologics, various studies have observed a reduction of recurrence after surgery. Hence, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to identify the rate of POR at different time points in the era of biologic use. We performed a literature search using Medline and Embase databases for studies investigating biologics in preventing the POR of CD. Data were extracted, and a single-arm meta-analysis with generalized linear mixed model and Clopper-Pearson method for confidence interval (CI) was performed to identify endoscopic, clinical and surgical recurrence rates at 6 months and 1, 2 and 5 years postoperatively. Altogether 24 studies were included in the meta-analysis. The endoscopic, clinical and surgical POR rate with the use of anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α agents at 1 year was 21.72% (95% CI 16.28%-28.37%), 13.06% (95% CI 8.18%-18.92%) and 3.76% (95% CI 1.37%-9.91%), respectively. The 5-year recurrence rate was 84.21% (95% CI 72.35%-91.57%) and 17.49% (95% CI 9.17%-30.80%) for endoscopic and surgical recurrence, respectively. Subgroup analyses at 1 year for the type of anti-TNF-α agent or the timing of initiation after surgery showed no significant difference in endoscopic, clinical and surgical recurrence rates. Anti-TNF-α agents are effective at preventing clinical, endoscopic and surgical POR of CD. The timing of initiating biological therapy after surgery has no significant effect on the rate of POR. The efficacy of infliximab and adalimumab for postoperative recurrence prevention is similar.

DOP31 Management and outcome of postoperative Crohn’s Disease in the elderly as compared to young adults: Data from Eneida registry

Abstract Background A less aggressive phenotype of Crohn’s disease (CD) has been reported in patients with elderly onset CD. Despite this, similar surgical rates among younger and older CD patients have been reported. However, scarce data are available about the risk of postoperative recurrence (POR) regarding the age, and no data are available about the use of immunosuppressants and biological agents for prevention of POR in elderly patients. Our aim was to evaluate the management of CD in the postoperative setting and the rate of surgical POR in CD patients according to the age at surgery. Methods Cohort study including all adult CD patients in the ENEIDA registry (a prospectively-maintained database of the Spanish Working Group in IBD –GETECCU-) who underwent a first intestinal resection with ileo-colonic anastomosis. Patients were grouped regarding their age at the moment of the first surgery: over 60 years (elderly) and between 18 and 60 years of age (controls). Preventive treatment for POR, surgical POR (need for a further intestinal resection) and postoperative morbidity were compared between both groups. Results Out of the 69,740 IBD patients included in the ENEIDA database, 3,982 had a first intestinal resection for Crohn’s disease with an ileo-colonic anastomosis between 2005 and 2020. Of them, 535 were elderly and 3,454 controls. Time from IBD diagnosis to surgery was significantly longer in the elderly (114±128 vs. 93±97 months; p&amp;lt;0.001). Regarding baseline characteristics, the elderly had a lower proportion of penetrating behaviour (25% vs. 39%; p&amp;lt;0.0001) and perianal disease (14% vs. 25%; p&amp;lt;0.0001). No differences were observed in the rate of postoperative morbidity (16% vs 15%; p=0.18). Time of follow-up after surgery was significantly lower in the elderly (63±57.5 vs. 81.2±56 months; p&amp;lt;0.0001). A significantly lower proportion of elderly patients started preventive therapies for POR (immunosuppressants or biological agents) as compared to controls (26% vs. 43%, respectively; p&amp;lt;0.0001). In spite of this, the rates of surgical POR were similar in elderly and controls (19.8% vs. 17.6%, respectively; p=0.169). In the multivariate logistic regression analysis only the inflammatory pattern of the disease was associated with surgical POR (HR 1.27; 95%IC (1.011–1.602)). Conclusion The elderly patients show similar rates of surgical POR as compared to younger patients. Given the high risk of thiopurine and anti-TNF-related adverse events, elderly patients with inflammatory pattern would benefit from preventive therapy with safer biologicals.

P430 Prognostic significance of neuropeptide expression in ileal neural plexuses in Crohn’s disease. A retrospective study

Abstract Background Intestinal resection in Crohn’s disease (CD) is not curative and the risk for postoperative recurrence (POR) remains high. Highlighting risk factors for POR is crucial for the postoperative management of CD patients. Myenteric plexitis is a well-established risk factors for POR. The primary purpose of this study was to evaluate the correlation of neuropeptide P (NPY)-, vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP)- and substance P (SP)-ergic nerve density with the presence and severity of plexitis in myenteric and submucosal plexuses in the proximal resection margin. Secondary aims were to assess the value of abovementioned neuropeptides’ expression in predicting POR and to recognize additional risk factors. Methods We conducted a retrospective, single-center study on CD patients who underwent ileocolonic resection (ICR) between January 2010 and December 2016. Exclusion criteria were age &amp;lt;16 years, patients with missing or invalid data precluding analysis, the presence of a diverting ileostomy on enrollment and specimens inappropriate for the evaluation of histologic features of interest in the proximal resection margin. Demographic and clinical data were retrieved, and the incidence or endoscopic, clinical and surgical POR was recorded. The presence and severity of plexitis was evaluated by hematoxylin and eosin staining. Giemsa staining was used for the recognition of mast cells. Immunohistochemistry was used was used for the detection of T-lymphocytes and NPY-, VIP- and SP-ergic neurons. The expression of the above peptides was quantified using image analysis. Results Seventy-nine patients (44 males) with a median age of 35 years were included. The median follow-up was 71 months. Myenteric and submucosal plexitis were present in 83.5% and 73.4% of patients, respectively. No association was detected between the density of NPY, VIP and SP expression and the presence or severity of plexitis. Similarly, the number of the involved T-lymphocytes or mast cells was not correlated with the expression of these peptides. Univariate and multivariate Cox proportional regression analysis was performed for the detection of risk factors for POR. Smoking and moderate/severe myenteric plexitis were independent risk factors for endoscopic and clinical POR, whereas an involved ileal margin was recognized as a risk factor for clinical POR. Conclusion This study did not document a correlation between plexitis in proximal resection margin and the expression of specific neuropeptides. According to our findings, smoking, myenteric plexitis, and involved ileal margin are independent risk factors for POR.

Characteristics and predictors of postoperative outcome of Crohn disease patients requiring abdominal surgery: a series of 1 048 cases from a single inflammatory bowel disease centre

Objective: To examine the clinical characteristics, the potential relative factors for postoperative abdominal septic complications, and prognosis factors of surgical recurrence of Crohn disease (CD) patients after the first surgery. Methods: All the CD patients from Department of General Surgery, Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University who had undergone at least one abdominal surgery from January 2007 to December 2017 were included for retrospective analysis. Hospital records were reviewed for information on clinical characteristics. Relative factors of postoperative abdominal septic complications were accessed by Logistic regression models, and prognosis factors of surgical recurrence were accessed by Cox proportional hazards regression models. Results: There were 1 048 patients included (733 males and 315 females), accounting for 1 513 operations. The age was 31(17) years and the length of resected small bowel was 30.0(40.0) cm at the first resection, 20.0(35.0) cm at the second resection, and 20.0(23.5) cm at the third resection. The length of resected small bowel was 25.0(40.0) cm at any resection. At the first abdominal surgery, 70.99%(744/1 048) patients were aged between 17 and 40 years, 66.98%(702/1 048) patients had ileocolonic disease, and 60.40%(633/1 048) patients had penetrating behavior. Penetrating behavior (OR=8.594, 95%CI: 3.397 to 21.740, P<0.01) and current smoking status (OR=2.671, 95%CI: 1.044 to 6.832, P=0.040) were significantly associated with an increased risk of postoperative septic complications, whereas staged operation (OR=0.360, 95%CI: 0.184 to 0.707, P=0.003) was associated with a decreased risk. Male gender (HR=1.500, 95%CI: 1.128 to 1.995, P=0.005), upper gastrointestinal disease (HR=1.526, 95%CI: 1.033 to 2.255, P=0.034), penetrating behavior (HR=1.506, 95%CI: 1.132 to 2.003, P=0.005) and emergency surgery (HR=1.812, 95%CI: 1.375 to 2.387, P<0.01) were significantly associated with an increased risk of postoperative surgical recurrence, whereas staged operation (HR=0.361, 95%CI: 0.227 to 0.574, P<0.01) was significantly associated with a decreased risk. Conclusions: In this cohort of CD patients receiving abdominal surgery from an inflammatory bowel disease center, the median age was 31 years and the median length of resected small bowel was 30 cm, at first resection. Patients who have risk factors of adverse postoperative outcome may be benefited from staged surgical approach.

Survival and adequate preoperative staging in patients undergoing gastric cancer surgery at a Peruvian Police Hospital.

Gastric cancer is the fifth most common malignant neoplasm and the third leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. In Peru, its incidence is 15.8 per 100,000 population, and it is associated with high mortality rates, especially in areas with low socioeconomic status. The aim of this study was to compare preoperative, postoperative, and anatomopathological staging results and their relation to disease recurrence and survival. We conducted a retrospective cohort study of patients undergoing surgery for gastric cancer with a definitive postoperative anatomopathological diagnosis from 2005 to 2014 at the Hospital Nacional Luis N. Sáenz. Statistical analyses included descriptive and correlation statistics using the κ index, determination of associations between preoperative and postoperative staging and surgical reintervention and recurrence using the χ2 test, as well as Kaplan Meier survival analysis. There was little correlation between preoperative staging and final anatomopathological diagnosis, while there was a good correlation with postoperative staging. A significant association was found between preoperative staging and cancer recurrence. In the survival analysis, survival was lower among patients with underestimated staging. The survival of patients with gastric cancer can be affected by an overestimation of preoperative staging, therefore improvements in preoperative staging could lengthen the survival of patients undergoing gastric cancer surgery.

Surgical Treatment for Crohn's Disease: A Role of Kono-S Anastomosis in the West.

More than 80% of patients with Crohn's disease (CD) will require surgical intervention during their lifetime, with high rates of anastomotic recurrence and stenosis necessitating repeat surgery. Current data show that pharmacotherapy has not significantly improved the natural history of postoperative clinical and surgical recurrence of CD. In 2003, antimesenteric hand-sewn functional end-to-end (Kono-S) anastomosis was first performed in Japan. This technique has yielded very desirable outcomes in terms of reducing the incidence of anastomotic surgical recurrence. The most recent follow-up of these patients showed that very few had developed surgical recurrence. This new approach is superior to stapled functional end-to-end anastomosis because the stumps are sutured together to create a stabilizing structure (a "supporting column"), serving as a supportive backbone of the anastomosis to help prevent distortion of the anastomotic lumen due to disease recurrence and subsequent clinical symptoms. This technique requires careful mesenteric excision for optimal preservation of the blood supply and innervation. It also results in a very wide anastomotic lumen on the antimesenteric side. The Kono-S technique has shown efficacy in preventing surgical recurrence and the potential to become the new standard of care for intestinal CD.