Yves Panis

Intrahepatic recurrence after resection of hepatocellular carcinoma complicating cirrhosis.

To determine whether a careful evaluation of tumor extension by preoperative computed tomography scan after intra-arterial injection of ultrafluid lipiodol and by intraoperative ultrasound examination reduced the recurrence rate of hepatocellular carcinoma after resection, a series of 47 cirrhotic patients with a single tumor operated on from 1984 was studied. Alphafetoprotein level was less than 100 ng/mL in 26 patients (55%), size of the tumor was less than 5 cm in 28 patients (59%), and capsule was present in 30 patients (63%). The resection was performed with free margin measuring 1 cm or more. The overall cumulative survival rates at 3 and 5 years were 35% and 17%, respectively. Intrahepatic recurrence was observed in 28 patients (60%), located less than 2 cm from the resection margin in only four patients. The cumulative intrahepatic recurrence rate at 3 years was 81% and was significantly higher in patients with tumor 5≥ 5 cm and in patients with preoperative alphafetoprotein level of 5≥ 100 ng/mL. In this series the cumulative intrahepatic recurrence rate at 5 years was 100%. This high recurrence rate after resection, even with careful evaluation of tumor extension, indicates that liver transplantation might be envisaged for the treatment of cirrhotic patients with resectable hepatocellular carcinoma.

Factors associated with clinically significant anastomotic leakage after large bowel resection: multivariate analysis of 707 patients.

The aim of this study was to determine by univariate and multivariate analyses the factors associated with clinically significant anastomotic leakage (AL) after large bowel resection. From 1990 to 1997 a series of 707 patients underwent colonic or rectal resection (without a stoma). Patients were divided into two groups: those with clinical anastomotic leakage (group 1) and those without it (group 2). AL occurred in 43 of 707 patients (6%). The overall mortality was 2.2% and was significantly higher in patients with AL than in those without: 5 of 43 (12%) versus 11 of 664 (1.6%), p <0.001. Univariate analysis showed 15 variables associated with the risk of AL: previous abdominal or pelvic irradiation (p = 0.02), American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score > 2 (p = 0.04), leukocytosis (p = 0.02), renal failure (p = 0.03), steroid treatment (p = 0.01), duration of operation (p = 0.001), intraoperative septic conditions (p = 0.006), total colectomy (p = 0.009), transverse colectomy (p = 0.02), difficulties encountered during anastomosis (p = 0.001), ileorectal anastomosis (p = 0.02), colocolic anastomosis (p = 0.01), abdominal drainage (p = 0.05), and blood transfusion intraoperatively (p = 0.006) and postoperatively (p = 0.001). Multivariate analysis showed that only preoperative leukocytosis (p = 0.04), intraoperative septic conditions (p = 0.001), difficulties encountered during anastomosis (p = 0.007), colocolic anastomosis (p = 0.004), and postoperative blood transfusion (p = 0.0007) were independent factors associated with AL. The risk of AL increased from a range of 12% to 30% if one risk factor was present, to 38% with two factors, to 50% with three factors. After colorectal resection and intraperitoneal anastomosis, a temporary protective stoma is proposed in selected patients with high risk factors for AL, as observed in our study.

Meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials of colorectal surgery with or without mechanical bowel preparation

Mechanical bowel preparation is used routinely before colorectal surgery, but some randomized clinical trials have suggested that it is of no benefit. This study assesses whether such bowel preparation may safely be omitted before elective colorectal surgery.

Impact of obesity on surgical outcomes after colorectal resection.

BACKGROUND As the impact of obesity on surgical outcomes after colorectal resection is not well known, this study was designed to compare the results of colorectal resection in obese and nonobese patients. METHODS From 1990 to 1997, 584 consecutive patients underwent elective colorectal resection in our department. Of these, 158 (27%) were obese (body mass index >27). Obese and nonobese patients were well matched for demographic data and surgical procedures. RESULTS After right or left colectomy, no difference was noted between obese and nonobese patients for overall mortality, morbidity, or leakage rates. However, after left colectomy, postoperative intra-abdominal collections requiring treatment were significantly more frequent in obese than in nonobese patients (10% versus 2%; P <0.05). After proctectomy, the mortality rate was 5% (3 of 61) among obese patients and 0.5% (1 of 185) among nonobese patients (P <0.02). The anastomotic leakage rate was 16% (5 of 58) for obese patients and 6% (11 of 169) for nonobese patients (P <0. 05), and the corresponding proportions of transfused patients were 43% and 19%, respectively (P <0.02). After proctectomy, multivariate analysis showed that for obese patients, diabetes mellitus (P <0.05) and American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) status >2 (P <0.05) were significant risk factors for anastomotic leakage; age >60 years (P <0.01) and ASA status >2 (P <0.05) were significant risk factors for perioperative blood transfusions. CONCLUSIONS Our study suggested that, for obese patients, (1) right colectomy can be performed in the same manner as for nonobese patients; (2) after left colectomy, abdominal drainage may be indicated, and (3) after proctectomy, a defunctioning stoma should be recommended when diabetes mellitus or ASA status >2 is present, and an autologous blood transfusion could be discussed for patients >60 years old or with ASA status >2.

Long-term results after curative resection for carcinoma of the gallbladder

background The surgical management of gallbladder carcinoma is controversial, especially as regards the indications for radical resection. The aim of this study was to evaluate the results of surgical treatment for gallbladder carcinoma with special reference to the extent of its histological spread.

Management of anastomotic leakage after nondiverted large bowel resection

BACKGROUND The purpose of this study was to determine the natural history of anastomotic leakage after elective colorectal resection and supraperitoneal anastomosis without temporary stoma. STUDY DESIGN Medical records from 1990 to 1997 were studied; 655 consecutive patients underwent colonic or rectal resection (without stoma). Patients were divided into two groups: those with clinical anastomotic leakage confirmed by laparotomy (group 1) and those without anastomotic leakage (group 2). Postoperative clinical and biologic findings were compared between the two groups. RESULTS Anastomotic leakage occurred in 39 of 655 patients (6%). Clinically suspected anastomotic leakage was only confirmed by contrast radiography in 13 of 24 patients (54%), and by CT in 8 of 9 patients (89%). Significantly more patients in group 1 than group 2 had the following: fever (> 38 degrees C) on day 2 (p < 0.001); absence of bowel action on day 4 (p < 0.001); diarrhea before day 7 (p < 0.001); collection of more than 400 mL of fluid through abdominal drains from day 0 to day 3 (p < 0.01); renal failure on day 3 (p < 0.02); and leukocytosis after day 7 (p < 0.02). Among the 39 patients in group 1, 28 (71%) had at least one of these clinical or biologic manifestations before day 5, but the mean delay for reoperation was only 8 days. The combination of signs observed before day 5 was associated with an increased risk of anastomotic leakage, from 18% with two signs to 67% with three signs. Overall mortality rate was 2% (13 of 655) and was significantly higher in group 1 than group 2: 5 of 39 (13%) versus 8 of 616 (1%, p < 0.001). In patients with anastomotic leakage, death occurred in 5 of 23 patients (22%) reoperated on after day 5, versus 0 of 11 patients (0%) reoperated on before day 5 (NS). Univariate analysis showed that three clinical characteristics were associated with a significantly high risk of mortality after reoperation for anastomotic leakage: age greater than 65 years (p < 0.01), American Anesthesiologist Association score greater than 3 (p < 0.05), and blood transfusions during the first operation (p < 0.02). CONCLUSIONS In our study, some postoperative clinical and biologic signs were associated with a higher risk of anastomotic leakage. The knowledge of these findings might help in the early diagnosis and management of patients with anastomotic leakage after large bowel resection.

Rectal cancer surgery with or without bowel preparation: The French GRECCAR III multicenter single-blinded randomized trial.

Objective:To assess with a single-blinded, multicenter, randomized trial, the postoperative results in patients undergoing sphincter-saving rectal resection for cancer without preoperative mechanical bowel preparation (MBP). Background:The collective evidence from literature strongly suggests that MBP, before elective colonic surgery, is of no benefit in terms of postoperative morbidity. Very few data and no randomized study are available for rectal surgery and preliminary results conclude toward the safety of rectal resection without MBP. Methods:From October 2007 to January 2009, patients scheduled for elective rectal cancer sphincter-saving resection were randomized to receive preoperative MBP (ie, retrograde enema and oral laxatives) or not. Primary endpoint was the overall 30-day morbidity rate. Secondary endpoints included mortality rate, anastomotic leakage rate, major morbidity rate (Dindo III or more), degree of discomfort for the patient, and hospital stay. Results:A total of 178 patients (103 men), including 89 in both groups (no-MBP and MBP groups), were included in the study. The overall and infectious morbidity rates were significantly higher in no-MBP versus MBP group, 44% versus 27%, P = 0.018, and 34% versus 16%, P = 0.005, respectively. Regarding both anastomotic leakage and major morbidity rates, there was no significant difference between no-MBP and MBP group: 19% versus 10% (P = 0.09) and 18% versus 11% (P = 0.69), respectively. Moderate or severe discomfort was reported by 40% of prepared patients. Mortality rate (1.1% vs 3.4%) and mean hospital stay (16 vs 14 days) did not differ significantly between both groups. Conclusions:This first randomized trial demonstrated that rectal cancer surgery without MBP was associated with higher risk of overall and infectious morbidity rates without any significant increase of anastomotic leakage rate. Thus, it suggests continuing to perform MBP before elective rectal resection for cancer. This study is registered with clinicaltrials.gov, number NCT00554892.

Which magnetic resonance imaging findings accurately evaluate inflammation in small bowel Crohn's disease? A retrospective comparison with surgical pathologic analysis.

Background: The aim was to evaluate the value of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings in Crohns disease (CD) in correlation with pathological inflammatory score using surgical pathology analysis as a reference method. Methods: CD patients who were to undergo bowel resection surgery underwent MR enterography before surgery. The CD pathological inflammatory score of the surgical specimens was classified into three grades: mild or nonactive CD, moderately active CD, and severely active CD; fibrosis was also classified into three grades: mild, moderate, and severe. Mural and extramural MRI findings were correlated with pathological inflammatory and fibrosis grades. Results: Fifty‐three consecutive patients were included retrospectively. The mean delay between MRI and surgery was 24 days (range 1–90, median 14). The CD pathological inflammatory score was graded as follows: grade 0 (11 patients, 21%), grade 1 (15 patients, 28%), and grade 2 (27 patients, 51%). MRI findings significantly associated with pathological inflammatory grading were wall thickness (P < 0.0001), degree of wall enhancement on delayed phase (P < 0.0001), pattern of enhancement on both parenchymatous (P = 0.02), and delayed phase, (P = 0.008), T2 relative hypersignal wall (P < 0.0001), blurred wall enhancement (P = 0.018), comb sign (P = 0.004), fistula (P < 0.0001), and abscess (P = 0.049). The inflammation score correlated with the fibrosis score (r = 0.63, P = 0.0001). Conclusions: Our study identified MRI findings significantly associated with surgical pathological inflammation. These lesions are considered potentially reversible and may be efficiently treated medically. We also showed that fibrosis was closely and positively related to inflammation. Inflamm Bowel Dis 2011

Drainage after elective hepatic resection. A randomized trial.

ObjectiveThis prospective randomized study determined the influence of closed-suction drainage on the incidence of postoperative complications after elective hepatic resection. Summary Background DataRoutine drainage is no longer advocated after several intra-abdominal surgical procedures. MethodsA series of 81 patients who underwent elective hepatic resection were randomly allocated to either a nondrainage group (n = 39) and a drainage group with closed-suction drainage (n = 42). Indications for resection were 42 benign lesions and 39 malignant tumors, including 19 with cirrhosis. Major hepatic resection was performed in 25 patients and minor resection, in 56. All patients underwent ultrasonography with puncture for bacteriologic cultures of all fluid collections within the first 5 postoperative days. ResultsOne patient died in each group. Ultrasonography found a significantly higher rate of subphrenic collections in the drainage group compared with the nondrainage group (respectively, 36% vs. 15%, p < 0.05). These collections were more frequently infected in the drainage group (n = 6) than in the nondrainage group (n = 2). After major liver resection, the rate of intra-abdominal postoperative complications (i.e., subphrenic fluid collections, hematomas, and bilomas) was similar between the two groups. ConclusionMinor liver resection is safer without drainage. Major liver resection can be performed with or without abdominal drainage.

Long-term results of ileal pouch-anal anastomosis for colorectal Crohn's disease

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study is to report ten-year results of ileal pouch-anal anastomosis in selected patients with colorectal Crohns disease for whom coloproctectomy and definitive end ileostomy was the only alternative. METHODS: 41 patients (22 females/19 males) with a mean age of 36 ± 13 (range, 16–72) years underwent ileal pouch-anal anastomosis for colorectal Crohns disease between 1985 to 1998. None had past or present history of anal manifestations or evidence of small-bowel involvement. Diagnosis of Crohns disease was established preoperatively in 26 patients, on the resected specimen after ileal pouch-anal anastomosis, or after occurrence of Crohns disease-related complication in 15 patients. RESULTS: Follow-up was 113 ± 37 months, (18–174) 20 patients having been followed for more than 10 years. There was no postoperative death. Eleven (27 percent) patients experienced Crohns disease-related complications, 47 ± 34 months (8–101) after ileal pouch-anal anastomosis: 2 had persistent anal ulcerations with pouchitis and granulomas on pouch biopsy and were treated medically; 2 experienced extrasphincteric abscesses and 7 presented pouch-perineal fistulas which were treated surgically. Among them, 3 patients with persistent perineal fistula despite surgery required definitive end-ileostomy. Of the 20 patients followed for more than 10 years, 7 (35 percent) experienced Crohns disease-related complications which required pouch excision in 2 (10 percent). CONCLUSIONS: Ten years after ileal pouch-anal anastomosis for colorectal Crohns disease, rates of Crohns disease-related complications and pouch excision were 35 and 10 percent, respectively. These good long-term results justify for us to propose ileal pouch-anal anastomosis in selected patients with colorectal Crohns disease (i.e., no past or present history of anal manifestations and no evidence of small-bowel involvement) for whom the only alternative is definitive end ileostomy.