Liliana Bordeianou

Cystic Pancreatic Endocrine Neoplasms: A Distinct Tumor Type?

BACKGROUND Cystic pancreatic endocrine neoplasms (CPENs) are considered rare, and their behavior is thought to be similar to that of solid pancreatic endocrine neoplasms (PENs). This study aims to describe the characteristics of CPENs in a large patient cohort. STUDY DESIGN We performed a retrospective review of 170 patients who underwent resections for PENs at Massachusetts General Hospital from 1977 to 2006. Twenty-nine patients (51% men, mean age 53) with CPENs were compared with 141 patients with solid PENs. Differences in clinical presentation, pathologic and radiographic features, and survival were described. RESULTS CPENs comprised 17% of all PENs (29 of 170) and 5.4% of all resected cystic pancreatic neoplasms(29 of 535). Ten (34%) were purely cystic and 19 (66%) were partially cystic. Compared with solid PENs, CPENs were larger (49 mm versus 23.5 mm, p < 0.05), more likely symptomatic (73% versus 45%, p < 0.05), and more likely nonfunctional (80% versus 50%, p < 0.05). They expressed synaptophysin (100%), chromogranin (82%), and cytokeratin (CK)-19 (24%). Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN-1) was 3.5 times more common in CPENs than in solid tumors (21% versus 6%, p < 0.05). No significant difference was found in location, propensity for metastasis, invasion, or 5-year survival (87% versus 77%, p=0.38). CONCLUSIONS This series, the largest report of CPENs in the literature, shows that CPENs are more common than previously thought, so they should be included in the differential of the cystic lesions of the pancreas. CPENs are larger and more likely to be symptomatic then solid PENs. They are also more likely to be associated with MEN-1 and to be nonfunctional, suggesting they may be a distinct tumor type.

Does incontinence severity correlate with quality of life? Prospective analysis of 502 consecutive patients

Objective  The Fecal Incontinence Severity Index (FISI) is widely used in the assessment of patients with faecal incontinence, but the relationship between FISI and the measurements of quality of life, such as the Fecal Incontinence Quality of Life Scale (FIQL) and the Medical Outcomes Survey (SF‐36) has not been evaluated previously. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the relationship between disease severity and quality of life in a large cohort of patients.

The intraoperative Surgical Apgar Score predicts postdischarge complications after colon and rectal resection

BACKGROUND We previously developed an intraoperative 10-point Surgical Apgar Score-based on blood loss, lowest heart rate, and lowest mean arterial pressure-to predict major complications after colorectal resection. However, because complications often arise after uncomplicated hospitalizations, we sought to evaluate whether this intraoperative metric would predict postdischarge complications after colectomy. METHODS We linked our institutions National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database with an Anesthesia Intraoperative Management System for all colorectal resections over 4 years. Using Chi-square trend tests and logistic regression, we evaluated the Surgical Apgar Scores prediction for major postoperative complications before and after discharge. RESULTS Among 795 colectomies, there were 230 (29%) major complications within 30 days; 45 (20%) after uncomplicated discharges. Surgical Apgar Scores predicted both inpatient complications and late postdischarge complications (both P < .0001). Late complications occurred from 0 to 27 (median, 11) days after discharge; the most common were surgical site infections (42%), sepsis (24%), and venous thromboembolism (16%). In pairwise comparisons against average-scoring patients (Surgical Apgar Scores, 7-8), the relative risk of postdischarge complications trended lower, to 0.6 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.2-1.7) for those with the best scores (9-10); and were significantly higher, at 2.6 (95% CI, 1.4-4.9) for scores 5-6, and 4.5 (95% CI, 1.8-11.0) for scores 0-4. CONCLUSION The intraoperative Surgical Apgar Score remained a useful metric for predicting postcolectomy complications arising after uncomplicated discharges. Even late complications may thus be related to intraoperative condition and events. Surgeons could use this intraoperative metric to target low-scoring patients for intensive postdischarge surveillance and mitigation of postdischarge complications after colectomy.

Impact of Screening Colonoscopy on Outcomes in Colon Cancer Surgery

IMPORTANCE Screening colonoscopy seemingly decreases colorectal cancer rates in the United States. In addition to removing benign lesions and preventing progression to malignancy, screening colonoscopy theoretically identifies asymptomatic patients with early-stage disease, potentially leading to higher survival rates. OBJECTIVES To assess the effect of screening colonoscopy on outcomes of colon cancer surgery by reviewing differences in staging, disease-free interval, risk of recurrence, and survival and to identify whether diagnosis through screening improves long-term outcomes independent of staging. DESIGN Retrospective review of prospectively maintained, institutional review board-approved database. SETTING Tertiary care center with high patient volume. PATIENTS All patients who underwent colon cancer surgery at Massachusetts General Hospital from January 1, 2004, through December 31, 2011. INTERVENTION Colon cancer surgery. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Postoperative staging, death, and recurrence, measured as incidence and time to event. RESULTS A total of 1071 patients were included, with 217 diagnosed through screening. Patients not diagnosed through screening were at risk for a more invasive tumor (≥T3: relative risk [RR] = 1.96; P < .001), nodal disease (RR = 1.92; P < .001), and metastatic disease on presentation (RR = 3.37; P < .001). In follow-up, these patients had higher death rates (RR = 3.02; P < .001) and recurrence rates (RR = 2.19; P = .004) as well as shorter survival (P < .001) and disease-free intervals (P < .001). Cox and logistic regression controlling for staging and baseline characteristics revealed that death rate (P = .02) and survival duration (P = .01) were better stage for stage with diagnosis through screening. Death and metastasis rates also remained significantly lower in tumors without nodal or metastatic spread (all P < .001). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Patients with colon cancer identified on screening colonoscopy not only have lower-stage disease on presentation but also have better outcomes independent of their staging. Compliance to screening colonoscopy guidelines can play an important role in prolonging longevity, improving quality of life, and reducing health care costs through early detection of colon cancer.

Obesity, outcomes and quality of care: body mass index increases the risk of wound-related complications in colon cancer surgery

BACKGROUND Obese patients may face higher complication rates during surgical treatment of colon cancer. The aim of this study was to measure this effect at a high-volume tertiary care center. METHODS All patients with colon cancer treated surgically at a single center from 2004 through 2011 were reviewed. Multivariate regression assessed relationships of complications and stay outcomes with body mass index (BMI) controlling for age, gender, comorbidity score, surgical approach, and history of smoking. RESULTS In 1,048 included patients, BMI was a predictor of several complications in both laparoscopic and open procedures. For every increase of BMI by one World Health Organization category, the odds ratios were 1.61 (P < .001) for wound infection and 1.54 (P < .001) for slow healing. Additionally, right colectomies had an odds ratio of 3.23 (P = .017) for wound dehiscence. No further associations with BMI were found. CONCLUSIONS BMI was incrementally associated with wound-related complications, illustrating how the proliferation of obesity relates to a growing risk for surgical complications. As the surgical community strives to improve the quality of care, patient-controllable factors will play an increasingly important role in cost containment and quality improvement.

Sigmoidectomy syndrome? Patients' perspectives on the functional outcomes following surgery for diverticulitis.

BACKGROUND: Bowel function following surgery for diverticulitis has not previously been systematically described. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to document the frequency, severity, and predictors of suboptimal bowel function in patients who have undergone sigmoid colectomy for diverticulitis. DESIGN: This study is a retrospective analysis. SETTING: This study was conducted at a large, academic medical center. PATIENTS: Three hundred twenty-five patients who underwent laparoscopic or open sigmoid colectomy with restoration of intestinal continuity for diverticulitis were included in the study population. Of these, 249 patients (76.6%) returned a 70-question survey incorporating the Fecal Incontinence Severity Index, the Fecal Incontinence Quality of Life Scale, and the Memorial Bowel Function Instrument. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Survey responders and nonresponders were compared with the use of &khgr;2 and t tests. Responders with suboptimal bowel function (fecal incontinence, urgency and/or incomplete emptying) were then compared with those with good outcomes by the use of logistic regression analysis to determine the predictors of poor function. RESULTS: Of the responders, 24.8% reported clinically relevant fecal incontinence (Fecal Incontinence Severity Index ≥24), 19.6% reported fecal urgency (Memorial Bowel Function Instrument Urgency Subscale ≥4), and 20.8% reported incomplete emptying (Memorial Bowel Function Instrument Emptying Subscale ≥4). On logistic regression analysis, fecal incontinence was predicted by female sex (OR = 2.3, p = 0.008) and the presence of a preoperative abscess (OR = 1.4, p < 0.05). Fecal urgency was associated with female sex (OR = 1.3, p < 0.05) and a diverting ileostomy (OR = 2.1, p < 0.001). Incomplete emptying was associated with female sex (OR = 1.4, p < 0.05) and postoperative sepsis (OR = 1.9, p < 0.05). LIMITATIONS: This study was limited by the fact that we did not use a nondiverticulitis control group and we had limited preoperative data on the history of bowel impairment symptoms. CONCLUSION: One-fifth of patients reported fecal urgency, fecal incontinence, or incomplete emptying after surgery for diverticulitis. Despite the limitations of our study, these results are concerning and should be investigated further prospectively.

Perioperative fluid management.

Many colorectal surgeons rely on traditional theories and approaches in addressing perioperative fluid management issues. Often, their training and instincts favor over-resuscitation, especially after bowel or emergent colorectal procedures. However, data are now emerging to support the use of more restrictive approaches to perioperative fluid administration-though uncertainties still exist as to which fluids are optimal, and how and when they should be administered. This article provides a focused, evidence-based review on this topic-highlighting critical considerations that clinicians may wish to address to improve patient outcomes following colorectal surgery.

Anal resting pressures at manometry correlate with the fecal incontinence severity index and with presence of sphincter defects on ultrasound

IntroductionWe describe the relationship between anorectal manometry, fecal incontinence severity, and findings at endoanal ultrasound.MethodsA total of 351 women completed the Fecal Incontinence Severity Index, underwent anorectal manometry, and endoanal ultrasound. Severity index and manometry pressures in 203 women with intact sphincters on ultrasound were compared with pressures in 148 women with sphincter defects. Relationships between resting and squeeze pressures, severity index, and size of sphincter defects were evaluated.ResultsMean severity index in patients with and without sphincter defect was 35.7 vs. 36.7 (not significant). Worsening index correlated with worsening mean and maximum resting pressure (P < 0.0001). Differences were observed in mean and maximum resting pressure between the patients with and without sphincter defects (26.6 vs. 37.2, P < 0.0001; 39.4 vs. 51.7, P < 0.001). Resting pressures correlated with the sizes of defect (P < 0.0001).ConclusionsPatients with and without sphincter defects had similar severity scores, but patients with defects had a significant decrease in resting pressures. Patients with larger sphincter defects had lower severity scores and resting pressures. Until a manometry cutoff can be set to discriminate between absence and presence of defects, both manometry and ultrasound should be offered to patients with history of anal trauma.

Controversies in the Surgical Management of Sigmoid Diverticulitis

The timing and appropriateness of surgical treatment of sigmoid diverticular disease remain a topic of controversy. We have reviewed the current literature on this topic, focusing on issues related to the indications and types of surgery. Current evidence would suggest that elective surgery for diverticulitis can be avoided in patients with uncomplicated disease, regardless of the number of recurrent episodes. Furthermore, the need for elective surgey should not be influenced by the age of the patient. Operation should be undertaken in patients with severe attacks, as determined by their clinical and radiological evaluation.

Laparoscopy Decreases Anastomotic Leak Rate in Sigmoid Colectomy for Diverticulitis

BACKGROUND Early studies comparing laparoscopic and open operations for diverticulitis failed to show any advantages of the laparoscopic approach. Our study compared the 30-day postoperative outcomes of laparoscopic and open sigmoid colectomy for diverticulitis by surgeons who had performed 20 or more laparoscopic colectomies before the study period. HYPOTHESIS Patients who undergo an elective laparoscopic operation for diverticulitis have reduced postoperative complications compared with patients who have a traditional open operation. DESIGN Retrospective analysis. SETTING Academic medical center. PATIENTS A total of 249 patients who underwent elective open (n = 127) or laparoscopic (n = 122) sigmoid colectomy with primary anastomosis for diverticulitis between July 1, 2001, and February 1, 2008. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Combined rates of free and contained anastomotic leaks. A logistic regression model was used to determine predictors of anastomotic leaks while controlling for significant differences between study groups. RESULTS Patients who underwent laparoscopic or open operations were similar in age, sex, history of diagnosed intraabdominal abscess (9.4% vs 12.3%), and history of preoperative percutaneous abscess drainage (3.9% vs 4.9%). Patients who underwent the open procedure had a higher Charlson comorbidity index (1.6 vs 1.2; P = .04), and those who underwent laparoscopy more frequently underwent splenic flexure mobilization (82.8% vs 26.7%; P < .001). Patients who underwent a laparoscopy had lower rates of anastomotic leaks (2.4% vs 8.2%; P = .04). This finding held true on logistic regression analysis (odds ratio, 0.67; 95% confidence interval, 0.008-0.567; P = .01), even when controlling for age, Charlson comorbidity index, splenic flexure mobilization, and length of resected bowel. CONCLUSION Anastomotic leaks occurred less frequently after laparoscopic sigmoid colectomy performed by experienced laparoscopic colorectal surgeons.