Autologous Platelet-Rich Plasma in the Treatment of Perianal Fistula in Crohn’s Disease

[Aim] To assess clinical healing in patients with perianal Crohn’s disease with local intrafistular injection of autologous platelet-rich plasma.[Method] The pilot study was conducted at a single centre between January 2013 and December 2015. Autologous platelet-rich plasma was prepared in platelet-rich and platelet-poor fractions for local intrafistular injection in patients with proven, established perianal Crohn’s disease. Patients were permitted biological therapies, and the Perianal Crohn’s Disease Activity Index was recorded. Patients were followed for 48 weeks for clinical signs of healing (complete, partial or non-healing), monitoring fistula drainage, closure and epithelialization.[Results] The study included 29 patients (19 males; mean age 38 ± 12.8 years) with four exclusions in the operating room because surgery was not indicated and four lost to follow-up. Five adverse events were recorded, with two requiring the drainage of abscess collections. Of the 21 patients assessable at 24 weeks, there was complete healing, partial healing and non-healing in 7 (33.3%), 8 (38.1%) and 6 (28.6%) patients, respectively. By 48 weeks, there was complete healing, partial healing and non-healing in 6 (40%), 6 (40%) and 3 (20%) patients, respectively, with a reduction in the number of visible external fistula openings at both time points (P = 0.021). By the end of the study, there was a higher trend of healing if biological therapies were continued (85.7% with biologics vs. 75% without, P = 0.527), but there were no statistically significant differences and no differences in the Perianal Crohn’s Disease Activity Index.[Conclusion]Autologous platelet-rich plasma is safe in patients with perianal Crohn’s disease, with an acceptable healing rate over a medium-term follow-up, particularly if biological therapies are used concomitantly

Impact of the pandemic on surgical activity in colorectal cancer in Spain. Results of a national survey

[ES] Introducción La pandemia ocasionada ha supuesto un impacto sobre la actividad quirúrgica en nuestros hospitales, afectando entre otros al cáncer colorrectal. Para el año 2020 se ha estimado que hasta un 75% de pacientes diagnosticados de cáncer colorrectal precisaría cirugía. No se disponen de datos objetivos del impacto que la pandemia ha tenido sobre la gestión de las listas de espera quirúrgicas. Hemos realizado una encuesta a todas las unidades de cirugía colorrectal con el objetivo de conocer el impacto sobre las listas de espera quirúrgicas por cáncer colorrectal. Método Los responsables de las unidades de cirugía colorrectal a nivel nacional recibieron una encuesta (febrero-abril, 2020) con 8 preguntas divididas en 3 apartados: cese y fecha de parada de las cirugías por cáncer colorrectal, número de pacientes pendientes de tratamiento y uso de neoadyuvancia como recurso de demora. Resultados Sesenta y siete unidades participaron (todas las comunidades representadas). El 79,1% realizaron algún tipo de cese de actividad (total 32,8%, parcial 46,3%) y no cese el 20,9%. El 65% ha usado o prolongado la neoadyuvancia en pacientes con cáncer rectal. El 40% ha intervenido, al menos, a 5 pacientes de urgencia por cáncer colorrectal. Se ha estimado que al menos se precisará de un mes de cirugía intensa para ponerse al día. Conclusiones En el momento actual es preciso redistribuir pacientes de unidades con alta lista de espera. Para el futuro, en caso de repandemia, habría que planificar los recursos de las unidades para obtener un programa efectivo antes del periodo de colapso completo.[EN] Introduction The pandemic has had an impact on colorectal cancer surgery in hospitals. In 2020, up to 75% of colorectal cancer patients are estimated to require surgery. No objective data on the impact of the pandemic on the management of surgical waiting lists is available. We conducted a survey in colorectal surgery units to assess the impact on colorectal cancer surgery waiting lists. Method All personnel in charge of colorectal surgery units nationwide received a survey (from February to April, 2020) with eight questions divided into three sections—cessation date of colorectal cancer surgeries, number of patients waiting for treatment, and use of neoadjuvant therapy to postpone surgery. Results Sixty-seven units participated in the study, with 79.1% of units ceasing some type of activity (32.8% total and 46.3% partial cessation) and 20.9% continuing all surgical activity. In addition, 65% of units used or prolonged neoadjuvant therapy in rectal cancer patients and 40% of units performed at least five emergency colorectal cancer surgeries. It was estimated that at least one month of intense surgical activity will be required to catch up. Conclusions Currently, patients from units with a long waiting list must be redistributed, at least within the country. In the future, in the event of a second wave of the pandemic, an effective program to manage each unit's resources should be developed to prevent total collapse.Peer reviewe

The Rapid Assessment Fecal Incontinence Score (RAFIS)

[Objective] The development and validation of a new version of the fecal incontinence (FI) scale “Rapid Assessment Fecal Incontinence Score” (RAFIS) incorporating domains for severity, type of stool loss, and global perception of the effect of incontinence on quality of life (QoL).[Background] FI negatively impacts on QoL. Currently used incontinence questionnaires have outstanding limitations on the global assessment of the impact of the disease on QoL that patients perceive. We developed a new version of RAFIS with a more complete questionnaire.[Materials and Methods] A 3-phase study was performed to evaluate the applicability and reliability of our questionnaire as a tool for assessing FI. Our score was completed by 98 patients (78 women; mean age: 57±13 y) who presented with FI and who were referred from 4 colorectal surgery centers. The RAFIS was assessed for internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and sensitivity to change. A multivariate analysis was performed. Comparisons were made with the Wexner Cleveland Clinic Incontinence Score and the Fecal Incontinence Quality of Life Scale.[Results:] The RAFIS showed good internal consistency and test-retest reliability, differentiating the severity of incontinence but not the etiology. There was a moderate-high correlation between the new scale and the reference scales. Sensitivity to change, compared with the Wexner Score, was moderate. Comparison with established QoL instruments showed a moderate negative correlation. Logistic regression of the RAFIS discriminated between mild and moderate-severe impact on QoL. No correlation was detected with the new score to the presence of an anal sphincter defect or sphincter hypotonia.[Conclusion] The RAFIS scale is easy to administer and compares well with other validated incontinence instruments

Influence of robotics in surgical complication rate in elderly population with rectal cancer

[Background] Rectal cancer surgery is a technically complex procedure. Moreover, short-term outcomes show high rate of complications especially in elderly and laparoscopic surgery has not demonstrated to be able to reduce this complication rate. Robotics has several advantages in pelvic surgical procedures, which could have an impact in complication rates in elderly patients.[Aims] The aim of our study is to demonstrate whether robotic surgery has any influence on the reduction of complications in the aged population undergoing rectal cancer.[Methods] We performed a retrospective analysis of a prospective database of 151 patients who underwent robotic surgery for rectal cancer. We divided our population into three groups: under 65-year-old, between 65- and 80-year-old and above 80-year-old. We recorded complications in each group intra and post procedure.[Results] The present study included 151 patients (94 males). Of them, 77 patients were under 66 year old, 63 patients were between 66 and 79 year old and 11 patients were 80 year old and above. The analysis showed conversion rates of 10.38%, 13.69%, 27.27%, and the complication rate of 23.4%, 23.8%, and 27.3% in each group. Univariate analysis showed no differences between the three groups. Nevertheless, there were statistical differences from BMI, ASA and neoadjuvant therapy. In multivariant analysis only neoadjuvant therapy was significant.[Conclusions] Robotic approach does not decrease complications in elderly population and conversion is similar in these age groups. So we should not rule out robotic surgery in elderly patients, although we must select each case with a multidisciplinary approach.Peer reviewe

Impact of early valve surgery on outcome of staphylococcus aureus prosthetic valve infective endocarditis: Analysis in the international collaboration of endocarditis-prospective cohort study

Background. The impact of early valve surgery (EVS) on the outcome of Staphylococcus aureus (SA) prosthetic valve infective endocarditis (PVIE) is unresolved. The objective of this study was to evaluate the association between EVS, performed within the first 60 days of hospitalization, and outcome of SA PVIE within the International Collaboration on Endocarditis-Prospective Cohort Study. Methods. Participants were enrolled between June 2000 and December 2006. Cox proportional hazards modeling that included surgery as a time-dependent covariate and propensity adjustment for likelihood to receive cardiac surgery was used to evaluate the impact of EVS and 1-year all-cause mortality on patients with definite left-sided S. aureus PVIE and no history of injection drug use. Results. EVS was performed in 74 of the 168 (44.3%) patients. One-year mortality was significantly higher among patients with S. aureus PVIE than in patients with non-S. aureus PVIE (48.2% vs 32.9%; P = .003). Staphylococcus aureus PVIE patients who underwent EVS had a significantly lower 1-year mortality rate (33.8% vs 59.1%; P = .001). In multivariate, propensity-adjusted models, EVS was not associated with 1-year mortality (risk ratio, 0.67 [95% confidence interval, .39-1.15]; P = .15). Conclusions. In this prospective, multinational cohort of patients with S. aureus PVIE, EVS was not associated with reduced 1-year mortality. The decision to pursue EVS should be individualized for each patient, based upon infection-specific characteristics rather than solely upon the microbiology of the infection causing PVIE

Influence of the timing of cardiac surgery on the outcome of patients with infective endocarditis and stroke.

BACKGROUND: The timing of cardiac surgery after stroke in infective endocarditis (IE) remains controversial. We examined the relationship between the timing of surgery after stroke and the incidence of in-hospital and 1-year mortalities. METHODS: Data were obtained from the International Collaboration on Endocarditis-Prospective Cohort Study of 4794 patients with definite IE who were admitted to 64 centers from June 2000 through December 2006. Multivariate logistic regression and Cox regression analyses were performed to estimate the impact of early surgery on hospital and 1-year mortality after adjustments for other significant covariates. RESULTS: Of the 857 patients with IE complicated by ischemic stroke syndromes, 198 who underwent valve replacement surgery poststroke were available for analysis. Overall, 58 (29.3%) patients underwent early surgical treatment vs 140 (70.7%) patients who underwent late surgical treatment. After adjustment for other risk factors, early surgery was not significantly associated with increased in-hospital mortality rates (odds ratio, 2.308; 95% confidence interval [CI], .942-5.652). Overall, probability of death after 1-year follow-up did not differ between 2 treatment groups (27.1% in early surgery and 19.2% in late surgery group, P = .328; adjusted hazard ratio, 1.138; 95% CI, .802-1.650). CONCLUSIONS: There is no apparent survival benefit in delaying surgery when indicated in IE patients after ischemic stroke. Further observational analyses that include detailed pre- and postoperative clinical neurologic findings and advanced imaging data (eg, ischemic stroke size), may allow for more refined recommendations on the optimal timing of valvular surgery in patients with IE and recent stroke syndromes

Impact of early valve surgery on outcome of staphylococcus aureus prosthetic valve infective endocarditis: Analysis in the international collaboration of endocarditis-prospective cohort study

Background. The impact of early valve surgery (EVS) on the outcome of Staphylococcus aureus (SA) prosthetic valve infective endocarditis (PVIE) is unresolved. The objective of this study was to evaluate the association between EVS, performed within the first 60 days of hospitalization, and outcome of SA PVIE within the International Collaboration on Endocarditis-Prospective Cohort Study. Methods. Participants were enrolled between June 2000 and December 2006. Cox proportional hazards modeling that included surgery as a time-dependent covariate and propensity adjustment for likelihood to receive cardiac surgery was used to evaluate the impact of EVS and 1-year all-cause mortality on patients with definite left-sided S. aureus PVIE and no history of injection drug use. Results. EVS was performed in 74 of the 168 (44.3%) patients. One-year mortality was significantly higher among patients with S. aureus PVIE than in patients with non-S. aureus PVIE (48.2% vs 32.9%; P = .003). Staphylococcus aureus PVIE patients who underwent EVS had a significantly lower 1-year mortality rate (33.8% vs 59.1%; P = .001). In multivariate, propensity-adjusted models, EVS was not associated with 1-year mortality (risk ratio, 0.67 [95% confidence interval, .39-1.15]; P = .15). Conclusions. In this prospective, multinational cohort of patients with S. aureus PVIE, EVS was not associated with reduced 1-year mortality. The decision to pursue EVS should be individualized for each patient, based upon infection-specific characteristics rather than solely upon the microbiology of the infection causing PVIE

HACEK infective endocarditis: characteristics and outcomes from a large, multi-national cohort.

The HACEK organisms (Haemophilus species, Aggregatibacter species, Cardiobacterium hominis, Eikenella corrodens, and Kingella species) are rare causes of infective endocarditis (IE). The objective of this study is to describe the clinical characteristics and outcomes of patients with HACEK endocarditis (HE) in a large multi-national cohort. Patients hospitalized with definite or possible infective endocarditis by the International Collaboration on Endocarditis Prospective Cohort Study in 64 hospitals from 28 countries were included and characteristics of HE patients compared with IE due to other pathogens. Of 5591 patients enrolled, 77 (1.4%) had HE. HE was associated with a younger age (47 vs. 61 years; p<0.001), a higher prevalence of immunologic/vascular manifestations (32% vs. 20%; p<0.008) and stroke (25% vs. 17% p = 0.05) but a lower prevalence of congestive heart failure (15% vs. 30%; p = 0.004), death in-hospital (4% vs. 18%; p = 0.001) or after 1 year follow-up (6% vs. 20%; p = 0.01) than IE due to other pathogens (n = 5514). On multivariable analysis, stroke was associated with mitral valve vegetations (OR 3.60; CI 1.34-9.65; p<0.01) and younger age (OR 0.62; CI 0.49-0.90; p<0.01). The overall outcome of HE was excellent with the in-hospital mortality (4%) significantly better than for non-HE (18%; p<0.001). Prosthetic valve endocarditis was more common in HE (35%) than non-HE (24%). The outcome of prosthetic valve and native valve HE was excellent whether treated medically or with surgery. Current treatment is very successful for the management of both native valve prosthetic valve HE but further studies are needed to determine why HE has a predilection for younger people and to cause stroke. The small number of patients and observational design limit inferences on treatment strategies. Self selection of study sites limits epidemiological inferences

Infective Endocarditis in Patients on Chronic Hemodialysis

International audienceInfective endocarditis (IE) is a common and serious complication in patients receiving chronic hemodialysis (HD)