David J. Schoetz

The safety and efficacy of the artificial bowel sphincter for fecal incontinence: results from a multicenter cohort study.

AbstractPURPOSE: The aim of this trial was to evaluate the safety, efficacy, and impact on quality of life of the Acticon™ artificial bowel sphincter for fecal incontinence. METHODS: A multicenter, prospective, nonrandomized clinical trial was conducted under a common protocol. Patients were evaluated with anal physiology, endoanal ultrasonography, a fecal incontinence scoring system, fecal incontinence quality of life assessment, and overall health evaluation. Patients with a fecal incontinence score of 88 or greater (scale, 1–120) were considered candidates for the study. Implanted patients underwent identical reevaluation at 6 and 12 months postimplant. RESULTS: One hundred twelve of 115 patients (86 females) enrolled were implanted. Mean age was 49 (range, 18–81) years. A total of 384 device-related or potentially device-related adverse events were reported in 99 enrolled patients. Of these events, 246 required no intervention or only noninvasive intervention. Seventy-three revisional operations were required in 51 (46 percent) of the 112 implanted patients. Infection rate necessitating surgical revision was 25 percent. Forty-one patients (37 percent) have had their devices completely explanted, of which 7 have had successful reimplantations. In patients with a functioning neosphincter, improvement in quality of life and anal continence was documented. Mean matched fecal incontinence scores in 63 patients at 6 months follow-up was improved from 105 preimplant to 51 postimplant. In 55 patients at 12 months follow-up, mean matched fecal incontinence scores were 105 preimplant vs. 48 postimplant. A successful outcome was achieved in 85 percent of patients with a functioning device. Intention to treat success rate was 53 percent. CONCLUSIONS: Although morbidity and the need for revisional surgery are high, the artificial bowel sphincter can improve anal incontinence and quality of life in patients with severe fecal incontinence.

Laparoscopic resection for diverticular disease

PURPOSE: The role of laparoscopic surgery in treatment of patients with diverticulitis is unclear. A retrospective comparison of laparoscopic with conventional surgery for patients with chronic diverticulitis was performed to assess morbidity, recovery from surgery, and cost. METHODS: Records of patients undergoing elective resection for uncomplicated diverticulitis from 1992 to 1994 at a single institution were reviewed. Laparoscopic resection involved complete intracorporeal dissection, bowel division, and anastomosis with extracorporeal placement of an anvil. RESULTS: Sigmoid and left colon resections were performed laparoscopically in 25 patients and by open technique in 17 patients by two independent operating teams. No significant differences existed in age, gender, weight, comorbidities, or operations performed. In the laparoscopic group, three operations were converted to open laparotomy (12 percent) because of unclear anatomy. Major complications occurred in two patients who underwent laparoscopic resection, both requiring laparotomy, and in one patient in the conventional surgery group who underwent computed tomographic-guided drainage of an abscess. Patients who underwent laparoscopic resection tolerated a regular diet sooner than patients who underwent conventional surgery (3.2±0.9vs.5.7±1.1 days;P<0.001) and were discharged from the hospital earlier (4.2±1.1vs.6.8±1.1 days;P<0.001). Overall costs were higher in the laparoscopic group than the open surgery group (

Diverticular disease of the colon: a century-old problem.

10,230±49.1vs.

Long-Term Follow-up After an Initial Episode of Diverticulitis: What Are the Predictors of Recurrence?

7,068±37.1;P<0.001) because of a significantly longer total operating room time (397±9.1vs.115±5.1 min;P<0.001). Follow-up studies with a mean of one year revealed two port site infections in the laparoscopic group and one wound infection in the open group. Of patients undergoing conventional resection, one patient experienced a postoperative bowel obstruction that was managed nonoperatively, and, in one patient, an incarcerated incisional hernia developed that required urgent laparotomy. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic resection in patients with chronic diverticulitis is safe, with faster recovery and shorter hospital stay compared with conventional open surgery. Higher cost of operating room usage time makes the laparoscopic technique difficult to justify economically. Simplification of operating room use and better case selection may improve cost-effectiveness of the laparoscopic approach.

The Fate of the Ileal Pouch in Patients Developing Crohn’s Disease

Diverticular disease of the colon: A century-old problem David Schoetz; Diseases of the Colon & RectumThis review on left-sided colonic diverticulosis and diverticulitis is based both on a literature survey and on the findings of a prospective study which was initiated at the University Hospital in Geneva in October 1986. All patients (except those requiring urgent surgery) who were admitted with a presentation suggestive of left-sided colonic diverticulitis and who had never previously been hospitalized with this diagnosis underwent computed tomography (CT) and received a Gastrografin enema (GE) within 72 h of admission. Patients were considered to have diverticulitis if one or both tests were positive and/or if diverticulitis was found at surgery and confirmed histologically. Patients who did not undergo surgery were excluded if the results of both examinations were negative.

Indeterminate colitis predisposes to perineal complications after ileal pouch-anal anastomosis.

PURPOSE: The purpose of our study was to determine the clinical and CT predictors of recurrent disease after a first episode of diverticulitis that was successfully managed nonoperatively. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 954 consecutive patients who presented to our institution with diverticulitis from 2002 to 2008. Patients were identified with International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision/Current Procedural Terminology codes. Patients were excluded if they had subsequent colectomy based on the first attack (n = 81), or if the attack they had between 2002 and 2008 was not their first attack (n = 201). We evaluated CT variables chosen by a panel of expert gastrointestinal radiologists. These radiologists reviewed the available published literature for CT imaging characteristics thought to predict diverticulitis severity. CT variables (n = 20) were determined by prospective reevaluation of scans by blinded study radiologists. Clinical variables (n = 43) were coded based on a retrospective chart review. Univariate analysis of variables in relation to recurrent disease was performed by a log-rank test of Kaplan-Meier estimates. Multivariate analysis was performed using Cox proportional hazards modeling. Variables with P < .2 on univariate analysis were included in a stepwise selection algorithm. RESULTS: The study population included 672 patients; mean age, 61 ± 15 years; mean follow-up, 42.8 ± 24 months. The index presentation of diverticulitis was most commonly located in the sigmoid colon (72%), followed by descending colon (33%), right colon (5%), and transverse colon (3%). Overall recurrence at 5 years was 36% by (95% CI 31.4%–40.6%) Kaplan-Meier estimate. Complicated recurrence (fistula, abscess, free perforation) occurred in 3.9% (95% CI 2.2%–5.6%) of patients at 5 years by Kaplan-Meier estimate. Family history of diverticulitis (HR 2.2, 95% CI 1.4–3.2), length of involved colon >5 cm (HR 1.7, 95% CI 1.3–2.3), and retroperitoneal abscess (HR 4.5, 95% CI 1.1–18.4) were associated with diverticulitis recurrence. Right colon disease (HR 0.27, 95% CI 0.09–0.86) was associated with freedom from recurrence. CONCLUSION: Although diverticulitis recurrence is common following an initial attack that has been managed medically, complicated recurrence is uncommon. Patients who present with a family history of diverticulitis, long segment of involved colon, and/or retroperitoneal abscess are at higher risk for recurrent disease. Patients who present with right-sided diverticulitis are at low risk for recurrent disease. These findings should be taken into consideration when counseling patients regarding the potential benefits of prophylactic colectomy.

Retrorectal cyst: a rare tumor frequently misdiagnosed

PURPOSERecent studies have suggested that a subset of patients with Crohn’s colitis may have a favorable outcome after ileal pouch-anal anastomosis and have advocated elective ileal pouch-anal anastomosis in selected patients with Crohn’s disease. We have not offered ileal pouch-anal anastomosis to patients with known Crohn’s disease, but because of the overlap in clinical presentation of ulcerative colitis and indeterminate colitis, some patients receiving an ileal pouch-anal anastomosis are subsequently found to have Crohn’s disease. We review our experience with these patients to identify potential preoperative predictors of ultimate pouch failure.METHODSPatients with a final diagnosis of Crohn’s disease were identified from an ileal pouch-anal anastomosis registry. These patients are followed prospectively. Preoperative and postoperative clinical and pathologic characteristics were evaluated as predictors of outcome. Median (range) values are listed.RESULTSThirty-two (18 females) patients (4.1 percent) with a final diagnosis of Crohn’s disease were identified from a registry of 790 ileal pouch-anal anastomosis patients (1980–2002). Patients underwent ileal pouch-anal anastomosis in two stages (11 patients) or three stages (21 patients). The preoperative diagnosis was ulcerative colitis in 24 patients and indeterminate colitis in 8 patients. Median follow-up was 153 (range, 13–231) months. The median time from ileal pouch-anal anastomosis to diagnosis of Crohn’s disease was 19 (range, 0–188) months. Complications occurred in 93 percent, including perineal abscess/fistula (63 percent), pouchitis (50 percent), and anal stricture (38 percent). Pouch failure (excision or current diversion) occurred in nine patients (29 percent) at a median of 66 (range, 6–187) months. Two of these 9 patients had preoperative anal disease (not significant). Comparing patients with failed pouches (n = 9) to patients with functioning pouches (n = 23), post-ileal pouch-anal anastomosis perineal abscess (67 vs. 26 percent, P = 0.05) and pouch fistula (89 vs. 30 percent, P = 0.01) were more commonly associated with pouch failure. Preoperative clinical, endoscopic, and pathologic features were not predictive of pouch failure or patient outcome. For those with a functional pouch, 50 percent have been or are currently on medication to treat active Crohn’s disease. This group had six bowel movements in 24 (range, 3–10) hours, with leakage in 60 percent and pad usage in 45 percent.CONCLUSIONSPatients who undergo ileal pouch-anal anastomosis and are subsequently found to have Crohn’s disease experience significant morbidity. Preoperative characteristics, including the presence of anal disease, were not predictive of subsequent pouch failure. We choose not to recommend the routine application of ileal pouch-anal anastomosis in any subset of patients with known Crohn’s disease.

Surgical management of Crohn's disease involving the duodenum

This study retrospectively evaluated 288 patients who had undergone ileal pouch-anal anastomosis to determine the incidence of perineal complications and to relate these findings to the pathologic diagnosis, with the goal of specifically clarifying the appropriate surgical management of patients with indeterminate colitis. Of these 288 patients, 235 patients (82 percent) had a diagnosis of chronic ulcerative colitis, 18 patients (6 percent) had indeterminate colitis, 6 patients (2 percent) had Crohns disease, and 29 patients (10 percent) had familial polyposis. All complications occurred at least 6 months after closure of the stoma and required operative therapy. Of 18 patients with indeterminate colitis, 9 patients experienced complications (50 percent)vs.8 of 235 patients with chronic ulcerative colitis (3 percent), a highly significant difference (P<0.001). Furthermore, the risk of eventual ileostomy because of perineal complications was 0.4 percent in patients with chronic ulcerative colitisvs.28 percent in patients with indeterminate colitis (P<0.001). We conclude that a diagnosis of indeterminate colitis predisposes the patient undergoing ileal pouchanal anastomosis to perineal complications, with a resultant high chance of reservoir loss. Ileal pouch-anal anastomosis should be considered with caution in the patient with a diagnosis of indeterminate colitis.

Anal fissure in Crohn's disease : a plea for aggressive management

BACKGROUND The rarity of retrorectal cysts and their nonspecific clinical presentations often lead to misdiagnoses and inappropriate operations. In recent years, several such patients have been referred to our institutions for evaluation and treatment of misdiagnosed retrorectal cysts. A review of these patients is presented. STUDY DESIGN Medical records of the colorectal surgery divisions at two institutions were reviewed. Patients found to have previously misdiagnosed retrorectal cysts were identified. Preliminary diagnoses, radiologic examinations, operative procedures, and final diagnoses were obtained. RESULTS Seven patients with retrorectal cysts who had been misdiagnosed before referral were identified. These patients had been treated for fistulae in ano, pilonidal cysts, perianal abscesses; psychogenic, lower back, posttraumatic, or postpartum pain, and proctalgia fugax before the correct diagnosis was made. Patients underwent an average of 4.1 operative procedures. Physical examination in combination with CT scanning made the correct diagnosis in all patients. All patients underwent successful resection through a parasacrococcygeal approach, and six of seven did not require coccygectomy. The resected tumors included four hamartomas, two epidermoid cysts, and one enteric duplication cyst. CONCLUSIONS Retrorectal cysts are a rare entity that can be difficult to diagnose without a high index of clinical suspicion. A history of multiple unsuccessful procedures should alert the clinician to the diagnosis of retrorectal cyst. Once suspected, the correct diagnosis can be made with physical examination and a CT scan before a definitive surgical procedure.

Ileal pouch vaginal fistulas: Incidence, etiology, and management

The experience with 25 patients who required operation for Crohns disease involving the duodenum is reviewed. Two distinct patterns of duodenal involvement are apparent. Intrinsic duodenal Crohns disease has a characteristic clinical presentation that is distinct from the symptoms seen in patients with involvement of other portions of the gastrointestinal tract. Among 70 patients with duodenal Crohns disease seen over a 30 year period, 22 required surgical intervention at the Lahey Clinic. Although hemorrhage and intractable pain were associated problems in several of these patients, unrelenting duodenal obstruction remained the primary indication for operation. Of patients who underwent operative bypass, 78 percent had a good result with a median follow-up period of 12.3 years. The presence of associated gastric Crohns disease did not influence long-term results. A third of the patients required reoperation for duodenal disease. Marginal ulceration and recurrent gastroduodenal obstruction have been the primary reasons for reoperation. Although the addition of vagotomy to operative bypass has not helped to protect against subsequent marginal ulceration, the absence of appreciable morbidity associated with vagotomy in our series and the high incidence of marginal ulcers reported with gastroenterostomy in other clinical settings lead us to recommend gastroenterostomy with vagotomy as the procedure of choice for duodenal Crohns disease. Proceeding with vagotomy in persons who have had previous ileocecal or extensive small bowel resection should not be undertaken without careful consideration. Similar caution should also be used in patients who are already troubled with poorly controlled diarrhea. The duodenum may also be involved by duodenoenteric fistulas which represent a complication of Crohns disease involving other portions of the gastrointestinal tract. Most frequently this occurs in patients with Crohns colitis who have no evidence of intrinsic duodenal disease. Management of the internal fistula requires resection of the involved colon and closure of the duodenal defect. Three patients with duodenocolic fistula have been so treated.