Gokhan Ozuner

Long-term analysis of the use of transanal rectal advancement flaps for complicated anorectal/vaginal fistulas

Transanal rectal advancement flap (TRAF) is a surgical option in the management of rectovaginal and other complicated fistulas involving the anorectum. Most reported series have a short follow-up. PURPOSE: This study was undertaken to determine the long-term success, safely, applicability, and factors affecting recurrence in patients managed with TRAF, including patients with Crohns disease. METHODS/MATERIALS: Retrospective analysis of all patients undergoing endorectal advancement flaps at a single institution between 1988 and 1993 was performed. One hundred one patients were identified (70 percent female; 30 percent male). Included were 52 patients with rectovaginal, 46 with anal perineal, and 3 with rectourethral fistulas. Causes were obstetric injury in 13 patients, Crohns disease in 47, cryptoglandular in 19, mucosal ulcerative colitis in 7, and surgical trauma or undefined causes in 15 patients. RESULTS: No mortality occurred. Median follow-up was 31 (range, 1–79 months). Immediate failure (within one week of the repair) was seen in 6 percent of patients. Statistically (tP<0.001) higher recurrence rates were observed in patients who had undergone previous repairs. Mean hospital stay was four days. Overall recurrence was seen in 29 patients (29 percent). Seventy-five percent of all recurrences occurred within the first 15 months; however, recurrence was noted for up to 55 months after repair. Etiology of fistula, use of constipating medications, antibiotic use, and most importantly associated Crohns disease did not statistically affect recurrence rates. Failure rate was only influenced by previous number of repairs. CONCLUSION: TRAF is a safe technique for managing complicated anorectal and rectovaginal fistulas, including patients with Crohns disease. Long-term follow-up is essential to accurately report recurrence rates.

Adenocarcinoma arising from a strictureplasty site in Crohn's disease: Report of a case

The occurrence of small-bowel cancer in Crohns disease (CD) is a rare event. The risk seems to be greatest in patients with long-standing disease. Strictureplasty has proved to be a valuable alternative in the management of Crohns strictures of the small-bowel. Critics and proponents of strictureplasty for selected patients with smallbowel Crohns disease have voiced their concerns about cancer risk in the strictured or strictureplasty site. To date, there has been no clear or detailed report of such an occurrence. The authors report the first case of small-bowel adenocarcinoma arising at the site of a previous strictureplasty. In this patient, biopsies of the strictures at the original operation confirmed CD and excluded both cancer and dysplasia. Malignancy occurred seven years later at a strictureplasty site. The main clinical sign associated with the adenocarcinoma was severe, persistent anemia. The authors conclude that the risk of adenocarcinoma developing at the site of a previous strictureplasty for CD, although small, is real.

Reoperative rates for Crohn's disease following strictureplasty. Long-term analysis.

Background: In Crohns disease, ten-year reoperative recurrence rates after resection range from 30 to 53 percent. To determine the effect of strictureplasty on reoperative “recurrence” rates, experience at a single tertiary care institution was reviewed. PATIENTS AND MATERIALS: Records of all patients who underwent strictureplasty for Crohns disease from June 1984 to July 1994 at a tertiary care institution were reviewed. Data collected included duration of disease, medical and surgical history related to Crohns disease, indications for strictureplasty, and longterm outcome. RESULTS: One hundred sixty-two patients (87 male) underwent 191 operations for a total of 698 strictureplasties (Heineke-Mikulicz, 617; Finneys, 81). Mean number of strictureplasties was three, and mean patient age was 36 years. No mortality occurred. Cumulative five-year incidence of reoperative recurrence was 28 percent (95 percent confidence interval, 18.8–37.2 percent), with a median follow-up of 42 (range, 1–120) months. Obstructive symptoms were relieved in 98 percent of patients. To determine whether any difference in reoperative rates exists between patients who have strictureplasty alone and those who have strictureplasty with bowel resection, we divided patients in two groups, those receiving strictureplasty alone and those undergoing strictureplasty plus resection. For patients treated by strictureplasty alone (Group A, n=52; 32 percent), cumulative reoperative rate at five years was 31±9.6 (±standard error) and for patients with concomitant bowel resection (Group B, n=110; 68 percent), it was 27.2±5.4 (±standard error). No statistical difference was present between these two groups. Of patients undergoing strictureplasty alone (Group A), operative recurrence was managed by new strictureplasty in seven, by restrictureplasty in two, and by bowel resection in one. Among patients in Group B (strictureplasty and concomitant bowel resection), new strictureplasty was performed in 11, restrictureplasty in 6, and bowel resection in 9. CONCLUSION: Strictureplasty is a safe and effective procedure for Crohns disease in selected patients. Reoperative rates are comparable with resective surgery, and most recurrences occur at new sites.

How safe is strictureplasty in the management of Crohn's disease?

BACKGROUND Strictureplasty is a well-accepted technique in the management of selected patients with Crohns disease. To determine the safety and optimal clinical setting for performing strictureplasty, perioperative complications and long-term outcomes need to be analyzed. PATIENTS AND MATERIALS We retrospectively reviewed the charts of 162 patients (87 men, 75 women) with Crohns disease who underwent strictureplasty between June 1984 and July 1994. Medical and surgical history, including medications and laboratory data, intraoperative findings, perioperative complications, and long-term follow-up data were recorded. RESULTS These patients underwent 698 strictureplasties (Heineke-Mikulicz procedures, 617; Finney procedures, 81). Median hospital stay was 8 days. Perioperative septic complications were noted in 8 patients (5%); however, reoperation for sepsis was needed only in 5 patients. Five percent of patients developed prolonged ileus after strictureplasty. Symptomatic improvement after strictureplasty was achieved in 98% of patients. Restricture or new stricture or perforative disease was seen in 5% and 17% of patients, respectively, during a 42-month median follow-up period. CONCLUSIONS Our findings show that strictureplasty is a good surgical option for stenosing small-bowel Crohns disease, particularly in patients with multiple obstruction and in those vulnerable to short-bowel syndrome. Perioperative complications are few, and long-term results are gratifying.

What happens to a pelvic pouch when a fistula develops

PURPOSE: The aim of this article is to determine the outcome of the pelvic pouch after the occurrence of a fistula. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From 1983 to 1995, 1,040 pelvic pouch surgeries were done at our institution. We reviewed the records of all patients with pouch-related fistulas. Data were collected from chart reviews and our pouch registry. RESULTS: Among 59 patients (22 males) with fistulas, mean age was 33 (range, 19–57) years. Preoperative diagnosis was mucosal ulcerative colitis (n=52), indeterminate colitis (n=6), and familial polyposis (n=1). Site of fistulas included pouch/vaginal (n=24), pouch/cutaneous (n=11), pouch/perineal (n=16), and pouch/presacral (n=8). Postoperative diagnosis was mucosal ulcerative colitis (n=40), Crohns disease (n=14), indeterminate colitis (n=4), and familial polyposis (n=1). One hundred eleven (range, 1–7) surgeries for treatment were performed. At a mean follow-up of 26 (range, 1–121) months, 19 pouches (32 percent) had been excised, 34 patients had functioning pouches and no fistula, 5 patients had a closed fistula but refused ileostomy closure, and 1 patient had died of unrelated causes (but the fistula was closed). Pouch type and preoperative diagnosis did not statistically affect pouch failure rates (P=0.43 and 0.10. respectively). CONCLUSION: Successful treatment of fistula from a pelvic pouch can be achieved in more than 60 percent of patients. However, multiple procedures may be needed for a successful outcome. Ultimately, 32 percent had their pouches excised.

Outcomes of percutaneous drainage without surgery for patients with diverticular abscess.

BACKGROUND: Data on percutaneous drainage followed by observation for diverticular abscess is scant. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to assess outcomes of percutaneous drainage alone in the management of peridiverticular abscess. DESIGN: This is a retrospective study from a prospectively collected database. SETTING: This study was conducted in a high-volume, specialized colorectal surgery unit. PATIENTS: All patients with a diverticular abscess of at least 3 cm in diameter, treated between 2001 and 2012, who had prohibitive comorbidities or refused surgery after percutaneous drainage were included. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcome measured was the treatment of diverticular abscess with percutaneous drainage alone. RESULTS: A total of 18 patients (11 surgery refusal, 7 comorbidity) were followed up until death, surgery for recurrent diverticulitis, or for a median of 90 (17–139) months. The median abscess size was 5 (3.8–10) cm, and the location was pelvic in 8 cases and intra-abdominal in 10. The mean duration of drainage was 20 ± 1.3 days, with the exception of 2 patients who only had aspiration of the abscess because of technical difficulty in drain placement. Three patients died of preexisting comorbidities between 2 and 8 months after percutaneous drainage. Seven of the surviving patients (7/15) experienced recurrent diverticulitis; 3 of these patients underwent surgery between 7 months and 7 years after the index percutaneous drainage. Of the remaining 4 cases of recurrence, one abscess was treated with repeat percutaneous drainage alone and 3 patients had uncomplicated diverticulitis treated with antibiotics. There were no significant associations between long-term failure of percutaneous drainage and the location of the abscess (p = 0.54) or previous episodes of diverticulitis (p = 0.9). LIMITATIONS: This study was limited because of its retrospective nature, its nonrandomized design, and its small sample size. CONCLUSIONS: Percutaneous drainage alone was successful in avoiding surgery in the majority of this selected patient population with sigmoid diverticular abscess. Future studies should assess the appropriate indications for a more liberal use of percutaneous drainage not followed by elective surgery.

Management of gastrointestinal bleeding after strictureplasty for Crohn's disease

PURPOSE: To determine the incidence, clinical features, and optimal management of poststrictureplasty hemorrhage in Crohns disease. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of 139 patients with Crohns disease seen at the Cleveland Clinic who underwent a total of 523 strictureplasties between June 1984 and June 1992. RESULTS: Poststrictureplasty hemorrhage occurred in 13 patients (93 percent). Average drop in hemoglobin and hematocrit in these patients was 5.8 g/dl and 0.174, respectively. All patients were managed nonoperatively. Mean follow-up was 29.6 (range, 7–62) months. CONCLUSION: Strictureplasty in Crohns disease is a safe procedure in selected patients. Poststrictureplasty hemorrhage is uncommon; however it can be managed nonoperatively in most cases. An algorithm for management of such patients is presented.

Predictors of postoperative outcomes for patients with diverticular abscess initially treated with percutaneous drainage

BACKGROUND The aim of our study was to evaluate factors associated with percutaneous drainage (PCD) failure, complications, and stoma creation for patients undergoing sigmoidectomy for diverticular abscess. METHODS Data for patients with diverticular abscess greater than or equal to 3 cm in diameter treated with initial PCD from 1994 to 2012 were identified. RESULTS One hundred fourteen patients (54% male) with a mean age of 57 years and a mean abscess diameter of 7.1 ± 2.4 cm were identified. American Society of Anesthesiologists 4 was the only independent factor associated with PCD failure (P < .001). On multivariate analysis, factors associated with postoperative morbidity (n = 42, 37%) included PCD failure (P = .02) and older age (P = .04), while risk for stoma creation was associated with PCD failure (P < .001), multiple PCD attempts (P = .002), older age (P < .001), Hinchey II (P = .03), and increased body mass index (P = .01). American Society of Anesthesiologists 4 was the only factor associated with permanent stoma (P = .02). CONCLUSIONS In patients with large diverticular abscess, a successful PCD is associated with reduced postoperative morbidity. However, a large proportion of patients require stoma creation. Significant comorbidity is associated with both failure of PCD and permanent stoma risk.

Effect of rectosigmoid stump length on restorative proctocolectomy after subtotal colectomy

BACKGROUND: The length of the rectosigmoid stump left after subtotal colectomy and ileostomy is believed to affect postoperative complications, including sepsis, success of future restorative proctocolectomy, and long-term functional outcome. METHODS: We reviewed the charts of 60 patients with toxic ulcerative colitis who were treated with subtotal colectomy leaving either a short (25) or long (35) rectosigmoid stump and who eventually underwent restorative proctocolectomy between 1983 and 1992 at a large tertiary care center. Data were collected on preoperative disease duration and steroid use, operative time, blood loss, transfusion requirements, length of stay, stool frequency, fecal incontinence, and sexual dysfunction. RESULTS: There were no statistically or clinically significant differences between groups. CONCLUSIONS: Rectosigmoid stump length does not appear to affect complications or long-term outcome in patients with toxic ulcerative colitis treated with subtotal colectomy and restorative proctocolectomy.

Surgical management of patients with ulcerative colitis during pregnancy: maternal and fetal outcomes.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS Ulcerative colitis can develop during the reproductive years, and there are limited data about perinatal care for patients with ulcerative colitis. In this study, we analyzed perinatal follow-up, complications, and maternal and fetal outcomes in pregnant patients undergoing surgery for ulcerative colitis. METHODS Between January 1998 and July 2013, female patients who underwent surgery during pregnancy for abdominal complications of ulcerative colitis and followed up during their pregnancy in our institution were included in our study. Patient characteristics, complications, operations performed, maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality during the perinatal period, and type of delivery were analyzed. RESULTS There were nine female patients with a median (range) age of 30 (21-33) years. Indications for surgery were fulminant/refractory colitis (n = 6) and bowel obstruction (n = 3). Operations performed were subtotal colectomy with an end ileostomy (n = 3), Turnbull blowhole procedure (n = 3), adhesiolysis with small bowel resection (n = 1), detorsion and decompression of bowel (n = 1) and adhesolysis (n = 1). Median (range) postoperative length of stay was 11 (5-28) days and median (range) duration of pregnancy was 36 (32-40) weeks. There were only two patients who had a transvaginal delivery, while a cesarean section was performed in seven patients. Indications for cesarean section were as follows: physicians preference (n = 4), planned small bowel surgery with cesarean section (n = 2), and metabolic disorders (n = 1). There were no perinatal maternal or fetal deaths. CONCLUSIONS Surgery for ulcerative colitis complications can be performed safely if indicated during pregnancy under the care of a multidisciplinary team that includes gastroenterologists, obstetricians, and colorectal surgeons.