Surgery for ischemic colitis: outcome and risk factors for in-hospital mortality

Purpose: Surgery for ischemic colitis is associated with high perioperative morbidity and mortality, but the risk factors for mortality and major surgical complications are unclear. Methods: In this retrospective single institution cohort study of all patients undergoing colorectal surgery for histologically proven ischemic colitis between 2004 and 2010, we evaluated surgical outcomes and risk factors for in-hospital mortality and major surgical complications. Results: For the 100 patients included in the study, in-hospital mortality was 54%; major surgical complications, defined as anastomotic leakage or rectal stump and stoma complications, occurred in 16%. In the multivariable analysis, hospital death was more likely in patients with right-sided (odds ratio [OR] 3.8; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.2, 12; P = 0.022) or pan-colonic ischemia (OR 11; 95% CI 2.8, 39; P < 0.001), both relative to left-sided ischemia. Decreased preoperative pH level (OR 2.5 per 0.1 decrease; 95% CI 1.5, 4.1; P < 0.001) and prior cardiac or aortic surgery (OR 2.4; 95% CI 0.82, 6.8; P = 0.109) were further important risk factors for in-hospital mortality. Major postoperative surgical complications were more likely in patients with ischemic alterations at the resection margin of the histological specimen (OR 3.7; 95% CI 1.2, 11; P = 0.022). Conclusions: Colonic resection for ischemic colitis is associated with high in-hospital mortality, especially in patients with right-sided or pan-colonic ischemia. In patients developing acidosis, early laparotomy is essential. Since resection margins' affection seems to be underestimated upon surgery, resections should be performed wide enough within healthy tissue

Surgical Treatment of Acute Recurrent Diverticulitis: Early Elective or Late Elective Surgery. An Analysis of 237 Patients

Background: The optimal timing of elective surgery in diverticulitis remains unclear. We attempted to investigate early elective versus late elective laparoscopic surgery in acute recurrent diverticulitis in a retrospective study. Method: Data of patients undergoing elective laparoscopic surgery for diverticulitis were retrospectively gathered, including Hinchey stages I-II a/b. the primary endpoint was in-hospital complications according to the Clavien-Dindo classification. Secondary endpoints were surgical complications, operative time, conversion rate, and length of hospital stay. Results: Of 237 patients, 81 (34%) underwent early elective operation (group A) and 156 (66%) underwent late elective operation (group B). In-hospital complications developed in 32% in group A and in 34% in group B (risk difference 2%, 95% Confidence Interval (95% CI): −11%, 14%). Higher age (p=0.048) and borderline higher American Society of Anesthesiologists score (p=0.056) were risk factors for in-hospital complications. Severe surgical complications occurred in 9% of patients in group A and 10% in group B (risk difference 2%, 95% CI: −6%, 9%). Conversion rate was 9% in group A and 3% in group B (p=0.070). Severity of disease did not seem to have an impact on complications or length of hospital stay. The median postoperative hospital stay was 8days in both groups (interquartile range 6-10). Mean operative time was 220min (SD 64) in group A and 202min (SD 48) in group B. Conclusions: This is the first study comparing early versus late elective surgery for diverticulitis in terms of the postoperative outcome using a validated classification. Although the retrospective setting and large confidence intervals don't allow definitive recommendations, these results are of utmost importance for the design of future prospective, randomized controlled trial

Impact of tutorial assistance in laparoscopic sigmoidectomy for acute recurrent diverticulitis

Purpose: Adequate training and close supervision by an experienced surgeon are crucial to assure the patient safety during laparoscopic training. This study evaluated the impact of tutorial assistance on the duration of surgery and postoperative complications after laparoscopic sigmoidectomy. Methods: The data from 235 patients undergoing laparoscopic sigmoidectomy were collected. Operating surgeons were classified as either residents/registrars (group A, tutorial assistance) or consultants operating autonomously (group B). Groups were compared concerning the duration of surgery and in-hospital complications using a multivariable regression model accounting for the most relevant confounders. Results: The median duration of the operation in group A (n=75) was 221min, and that in group B (n=160) 189min (p<0.001). The risk of developing any in-hospital complication (Clavien-Dindo classification I-V) was 36.0% in Group A and 32.5% in group B (95% CI −16.6, 9.6%). The risk of developing moderate to severe surgical complications (Clavien-Dindo classification II-V) was 16.0% in group A and 12.5% in group B (95% CI −13.3, 6.3%). Conclusions: We were unable to demonstrate a clear impact of tutorial assistance on the risk of postoperative complications. Although associated with a longer duration of surgery, laparoscopic sigmoidectomy for acute recurrent sigmoid diverticulitis conducted by a junior supervised surgeon appears to be a safe surgical modality