Andrew T. Schlussel

Current challenges in the surgical management of Crohn's disease: a systematic review

BACKGROUND Crohns disease is a chronic inflammatory disorder, and the broad variability in phenotypic presentations makes the treatment of this disease a true multidisciplinary approach. We sought to review the current recommendations regarding the surgical management of Crohns disease. DATA SOURCE A Systematic literature review of surgical techniques was performed from 1979 through 2015. We evaluated 30 articles focusing on findings over the past 5 years. CONCLUSIONS Crohns is a complex disease with no surgical cure. Invasive techniques vary from strictureplasty to resection and percutaneous drainage of penetrating disease when indicated. There is a paucity of well-controlled randomized studies evaluating these surgical techniques, and therefore, we continue to rely on smaller studies and historical data. The surgical goals are to minimize postoperative complications while preserving intestinal length and slowing the progression to clinical recurrence. The evidence discussed is one strategy against this complex pathology.

Effect of Diabetes Mellitus on Outcomes of Hyperglycemia in a Mixed Medical Surgical Intensive Care Unit

Background: Intensive insulin therapy and degree of glycemic control in critically ill patients remains controversial, particularly in patients with diabetes mellitus. We hypothesized that diabetic patients who achieved tight glucose control with continuous insulin therapy would have less morbidity and lower mortality than diabetic patients with uncontrolled blood glucose. Method: A retrospective chart review was performed on 395 intensive care unit (ICU) patients that included 235 diabetic patients. All patients received an intravenous insulin protocol targeted to a blood glucose (BG) level of 80–140mg/dl. Outcomes were compared between (a) nondiabetic and diabetic patients, (b) diabetic patients with controlled BG levels (80–140mg/dl) versus uncontrolled levels (>140 mg/dl), and (c) diabetic survivors and nonsurvivors. Results: Diabetic patients had a shorter ICU stay compared to nondiabetic patients (10 ± 0.7 vs 13 ± 1.1, p = .01). The mean BG of the diabetic patients was 25% higher on average in the uncontrolled group than in the controlled (166 ± 26 vs 130 ± 9.4 mg/dl, p < .01). There was no difference in ICU and hospital length of stay (LOS) between diabetic patients who were well controlled compared to those who were uncontrolled. Diabetic nonsurvivors had a significantly higher incidence of hypoglycemia (BG <60 mg/dl) compared to diabetic survivors. Conclusions: The results showed that a diagnosis of diabetes was not an independent predictor of mortality, and that diabetic patients who were uncontrolled did not have worse outcomes. Diabetic nonsurvivors were associated with a greater amount of hypoglycemic episodes, suggesting these patients may benefit from a more lenient blood glucose protocol.

Do the advantages of a minimally invasive approach remain in complex colorectal procedures? A nationwide comparison.

BACKGROUND: Since the introduction of laparoscopic colectomy, experience and technology continue to improve. Although accepted for many colorectal conditions, its use and outcomes in complex procedures are less understood. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this work was to compare the perioperative outcomes of laparoscopic transverse colectomy and total abdominal colectomy (study group) with an open approach (comparative group) and the more established laparoscopic right, left, and sigmoid colectomies (control group). DESIGN: This was a retrospective review of the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (2008–2011) of all patients undergoing elective right, left, sigmoid, total, or transverse colectomy as identified by International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification procedure codes. Risk-adjusted 30-day outcomes were assessed using regression modeling accounting for patient characteristics, comorbidities, and surgical procedures. SETTINGS: The study included a national sample from a population database. PATIENTS: There were 45,771 admissions: 2946 in the study group, 36,949 in the control group, and 5876 in the open comparative group. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Mortality was the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes included in-hospital complications, length of stay, and hospital charges. RESULTS: The patients were predominantly white (73%), had private insurance (64%), and underwent surgery at urban centers (92%). Mortality was similar between the study and control groups (0.42% vs 0.51%; p = 0.52), with a higher complication rate in the study group (19% vs 14%; p < 0.01). The study group was also associated with a lower mortality rate compared with the open group (0.51% vs 2.20%; p < 0.01), which remained consistent after adjusting for covariates (OR, 0.38 [95% CI, 0.20–0.71]; p < 0.01). The study group had fewer complications overall compared with the open group (19% vs 27%; p < 0.01) and a shorter median length of stay (4.6 vs 6.3 days; p < 0.01). LIMITATIONS: This was a retrospective study using an administrative database. CONCLUSIONS: A laparoscopic approach for total abdominal and transverse colectomies has similar mortality rates and slightly higher complications than the more established laparoscopic colectomy procedures and improved perioperative outcomes when compared with an open technique (see Video, Supplemental Digital Content 1, http://links.lww.com/DCR/A178).

Effects of Hyperglycemia and Continuous Intravenous Insulin on Outcomes of Surgical Patients

BACKGROUND Hyperglycemia in critically ill patients has been associated with increased morbidity and mortality. It is unclear to what degree hyperglycemia should be regulated in a mixed surgical population. STUDY DESIGN A retrospective chart review of 210 surgical patients in the intensive care unit (ICU) was performed. All patients were placed on an intravenous insulin protocol targeted to a blood glucose (BG) of 80-140 mg/dL. Outcomes were compared between surgical patients with controlled BG levels (80-140 mg/dL) versus uncontrolled levels (>140 mg/dL). RESULTS The mortality rate of this population was 12%, 5% in the controlled BG group compared with 18% in the uncontrolled BG group (P < 0.01). After adjusting for covariates, the mortality rate of the uncontrolled blood glucose group was significantly greater (OR = 4.8, 95% CI 1.4-20; P = 0.02). The overall hypoglycemic rate was <1%, and was not associated with a higher mortality, P = 0.60. A greater mortality rate was associated with patients who spent a greater time with blood glucose values >181 mg/dL (OR = 1.3, 95% CI 1.1-1.6; P = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS Increased mortality was associated with surgical patients in the uncontrolled blood glucose group compared with patients who were well controlled with insulin therapy. These results are comparable to previous studies and indicate that surgical patients are a population who may benefit from tighter glycemic control. Further investigations through prospective randomized studies are needed to fully evaluate the effects of hyperglycemia in a diverse surgical population as well as specific surgical subspecialties.

A nationwide assessment comparing nonelective open with minimally invasive complex colorectal procedures.

The use of minimally invasive colorectal surgery has increased greatly for both benign and malignant disease. Studies evaluating complex procedures have been largely limited to elective indications. We aimed to compare the outcome of a laparoscopic with an open transverse (TC) and total abdominal colectomy (TAC) in the nonelective setting.

Initiation of a Transanal Total Mesorectal Excision Program at an Academic Training Program: Evaluating Patient Safety and Quality Outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Short-term results have shown that transanal total mesorectal excision is safe and effective for patients with mid to low rectal cancers. Transanal total mesorectal excision is considered technically challenging; thus, adoption has been limited to a few academic centers in the United States. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to describe outcomes after the initiation of a transanal total mesorectal excision program in the setting of an academic colorectal training program. DESIGN: This is a single-center retrospective review of consecutive patients who underwent transanal total mesorectal excision from December 2014 to August 2016. SETTING: This study was conducted at an academic center with a colorectal residency program. PATIENTS: Patients with benign and malignant diseases were selected. INTERVENTION: All transanal total mesorectal excisions were performed with abdominal and perineal teams working simultaneously. OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcomes measured were pathologic quality, length of hospital stay, 30-day morbidity, and 30-day mortality. RESULTS: There were 40 patients (24 male). The median age was 55 years (interquartile range, 46.7–63.4) with a median BMI of 29 kg/m2 (interquartile range, 24.6–32.4). The primary indication was cancer (n = 30), and tumor height from the anal verge ranged from 0.5 to 15 cm. Eighty percent (n = 24) of the patients who had rectal cancer received preoperative chemoradiation. The most common procedures were low anterior resection (67.5%), total proctocolectomy (15%), and abdominoperineal resection (12.5%). Median operative time was 380 minutes (interquartile range, 306–454.4), with no change over time. For patients with malignancy, the mesorectum was complete or nearly complete in 100% of the specimens. A median of 14 lymph nodes (interquartile range, 12–17) were harvested, and 100% of the rectal cancer specimens achieved R0 status. Median length of stay was 4.5 days (interquartile range, 4–7), and there were 6 readmissions (15%). There were no deaths or intraoperative complications. LIMITATIONS: This study’s limitations derive from its retrospective nature and single-center location. CONCLUSIONS: A transanal total mesorectal excision program can be safely implemented in a major academic medical center. Quality outcomes and patient safety depend on a comprehensive training program and a coordinated team approach. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/A448.

Current trends and challenges in the postoperative medical management of Crohn's disease: A systematic review

BACKGROUND Crohns disease is an aggressive chronic inflammatory disorder, and despite medical advances no cure exists. There is a great risk of requiring an operative intervention, with evidence of recurrence developing in up to 80-90% of cases. Therefore, we sought to systematically review the current status in the postoperative medical management of Crohns disease. DATA SOURCES A systematic literature review of medications administered following respective therapy for Crohns disease was performed from 1979 through 2016. Twenty-six prospective articles provided directed guidelines for recommendations and these were graded based on the level of evidence. CONCLUSIONS The postoperative management of Crohns disease faces multiple challenges. Current indicated medications in this setting include: antibiotics, aminosalicylates, immunomodulators, and biologics. Each drug has inherent risks and benefits, and the optimal regimen is still unknown. Initiating therapy in a prophylactic fashion compared to endoscopic findings, or escalating therapy versus treating with the most potent drug first is debated. Although a definitive consensus on postoperative treatment is necessary, aggressive and early endoluminal surveillance is paramount in the treatment of these complicated patients.

Perforated Appendicitis Within a Morgagni Hernia: A Laparoscopic Repair

Laparoscopic repair of a Morgagni hernia is a well-described technique in children or adults who present well beyond the neonatal period. However, it is still most often being repaired by an open approach. This repair can be more challenging when a concomitant infectious process is present, which in this case was a perforated appendicitis. A 22-year-old man presented with typical appendicitis but was found to have a perforated appendicitis contained within a congenital diaphragmatic hernia. We demonstrate the safety and efficacy of using laparoscopy to repair a Morgagni hernia, in the setting of a contaminated field, with primary suture repair. Our patient was able to have both his appendectomy and his Morgagni hernia repair with a single operation, and there was no recurrence of the diaphragmatic defect.