C-reactive protein is a predictor of complications after elective laparoscopic colorectal surgery: five-year experience

INTRODUCTION: With the development and improvement of laparoscopic surgery, procedures have become common. However, post-operative complications occur when patients are released from hospital. These complications increase patients’ morbidity and mortality. They also lead to re-hospitalization, an extended recovery period, and an increase in the cost of treatment. AIM: To evaluate and determine the prognostic properties of C-reactive protein in the early diagnosis of postoperative complications after a laparoscopic colon resection. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The prospective study included patients who underwent laparoscopic colorectal surgery in 2010–2014. The patients were divided into two groups – uncomplicated ones and those with complications. C-reactive protein concentrations in their blood serum were measured on the 2(nd), 4(th) and 6(th) day after surgery. Logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the relation between C-reactive protein values measured on the 2(nd), 4(th) and 6(th) postoperative day and related complications. Receiver operating characteristic curves were used to determine the sensitivity and specificity of each C-reactive protein value measured on the 2(nd), 4(th) and 6(th) postoperative day. RESULTS: One hundred and six patients were included in the trial; 14 of them had complications. On the second day, a C-reactive protein cut-off value of 88.6 mmol/l provided the highest sensitivity and specificity for predicting evolving complications, being 71.4% and 84.8% respectively (p = 0.003). The significant predictive cut-off value decreases and becomes more sensitive and specific each post-operative day. CONCLUSIONS: It is possible to detect developing post-operative complications early on by monitoring C-reactive protein concentration levels in the blood serum on the 2(nd), 4(th), and 6(th) post-operative days

Ultrasound-guided percutaneous laser ablation for papillary thyroid microcarcinoma: a literature review

The incidence of papillary thyroid microcarcinoma has been increasing worldwide. However, the optimal management strategy remains a topic of discussion and varies from an active follow-up to a thyroidectomy. New thermoablation techniques for selected cases seem to be sufficiently effective but minimally invasive. One of the newest thermoablation methods is ultrasound-guided percutaneous laser ablation. There are already some data showing promising results of this method in the management of papillary thyroid microcarcinomas. In this article, we review recent papers and conclude on the current status of the ultrasound-guided percutaneous laser ablation technique for the management of papillary thyroid microcarcinomas

Surgical site infection after gastrointestinal surgery in high-income, middle-income, and low-income countries: a prospective, international, multicentre cohort study

Background: Surgical site infection (SSI) is one of the most common infections associated with health care, but its importance as a global health priority is not fully understood. We quantified the burden of SSI after gastrointestinal surgery in countries in all parts of the world. Methods: This international, prospective, multicentre cohort study included consecutive patients undergoing elective or emergency gastrointestinal resection within 2-week time periods at any health-care facility in any country. Countries with participating centres were stratified into high-income, middle-income, and low-income groups according to the UN's Human Development Index (HDI). Data variables from the GlobalSurg 1 study and other studies that have been found to affect the likelihood of SSI were entered into risk adjustment models. The primary outcome measure was the 30-day SSI incidence (defined by US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention criteria for superficial and deep incisional SSI). Relationships with explanatory variables were examined using Bayesian multilevel logistic regression models. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT02662231. Findings: Between Jan 4, 2016, and July 31, 2016, 13 265 records were submitted for analysis. 12 539 patients from 343 hospitals in 66 countries were included. 7339 (58·5%) patient were from high-HDI countries (193 hospitals in 30 countries), 3918 (31·2%) patients were from middle-HDI countries (82 hospitals in 18 countries), and 1282 (10·2%) patients were from low-HDI countries (68 hospitals in 18 countries). In total, 1538 (12·3%) patients had SSI within 30 days of surgery. The incidence of SSI varied between countries with high (691 [9·4%] of 7339 patients), middle (549 [14·0%] of 3918 patients), and low (298 [23·2%] of 1282) HDI (p < 0·001). The highest SSI incidence in each HDI group was after dirty surgery (102 [17·8%] of 574 patients in high-HDI countries; 74 [31·4%] of 236 patients in middle-HDI countries; 72 [39·8%] of 181 patients in low-HDI countries). Following risk factor adjustment, patients in low-HDI countries were at greatest risk of SSI (adjusted odds ratio 1·60, 95% credible interval 1·05–2·37; p=0·030). 132 (21·6%) of 610 patients with an SSI and a microbiology culture result had an infection that was resistant to the prophylactic antibiotic used. Resistant infections were detected in 49 (16·6%) of 295 patients in high-HDI countries, in 37 (19·8%) of 187 patients in middle-HDI countries, and in 46 (35·9%) of 128 patients in low-HDI countries (p < 0·001). Interpretation: Countries with a low HDI carry a disproportionately greater burden of SSI than countries with a middle or high HDI and might have higher rates of antibiotic resistance. In view of WHO recommendations on SSI prevention that highlight the absence of high-quality interventional research, urgent, pragmatic, randomised trials based in LMICs are needed to assess measures aiming to reduce this preventable complication

Interaction of human gut microbiota and local immune system in progression of colorectal adenoma (MIMICA-1): a protocol for a prospective, observational cohort study

IntroductionThe current understanding of colorectal carcinogenesis is based on the adenoma-carcinoma sequence, where genetics, intestinal microbiota changes and local immunity shifts seem to play the key roles. Despite the emerging evidence of dysbiotic intestinal state and immune-cell infiltration changes in patients with colorectal adenocarcinoma, early and advanced adenoma as precursors of colorectal cancer, and carcinoma in situ as the following progression, are rather less studied. The newly colon-site adapted AI-based analysis of immune infiltrates is able to predict long-term outcomes of colon carcinoma. Though it could also facilitate the pathologic evaluation of precancerous lesion’s potential to progress. Therefore, the purpose of this prospective cohort study (MIMICA-1) is, firstly, to identify the intestinal microbiota and immune infiltration patterns around the normal bowel tissue, early and advanced adenoma, carcinoma in situ, and adenocarcinoma, and secondly, to analyze the immune – microbiome interplay along the steps of conventional colorectal tumorigenesis.Methods and analysesThis study aims to prospectively recruit 40 patients (10 per group) with confirmed colorectal dysplasia undergoing endoscopic polypectomy, endoscopic mucosal resection for colorectal small (≤1cm), and large (&gt;1cm) adenoma or carcinoma in situ, or biopsy and subsequent colon resection for invasive colorectal cancer, and 10 healthy patients undergoing screening colonoscopy. Stool samples will be collected prior to bowel preparation for the analysis of fecal (luminal) microbiota composition. Biopsy specimens will be taken from the terminal ileum, right colon, left colon, and a pathological lesion in the colon (if present) to assess mucosa-associated microbiota composition and intestinal immunity response. DNA will be extracted from all samples and sequenced using the Illumina MiSeq platform. Unifrac and Bray-Curtis methods will be used to assess microbial diversity. The intestinal immune system response will be examined using digital image analysis where primarily immunohistochemistry procedures for CD3, CD8, CD20 and CD68 immune cell markers will be performed. Thereafter, the count, density and distribution of immunocompetent cells in epithelial and stromal tissue compartments will be evaluated using AI-based platform. The interaction between the microbial shifts and intestinal immune system response in adenoma-carcinoma sequence and the healthy patients will be examined. In addition, fecal samples will be explored for gut microbiota’s composition, comparing fecal- and tissue-derived bacterial patterns in healthy gut and along the adenoma-carcinoma sequence.DiscussionWe hypothesize that changes within the human gut microbiota led to detectable alterations of the local immune response and correlate with the progression from normal mucosa to colorectal adenoma and invasive carcinoma. It is expectable to find more severe gut immune infiltration at dysplasia site, though analyzing invasive colorectal cancer we expect to detect broader mucosa-associated and luminal microbiota changes with subsequent local immune response at near-lesion site and possibly throughout the entire colon. We believe that specific compositional differences detected around premalignant colorectal lesions are critically important for its primary role in initiation and acceleration of colorectal carcinogenesis. Thus, these microbial patterns could potentially supplement fecal immunohistochemical tests for the early non-invasive detection of colorectal adenoma. Moreover, AI-based analysis of immune infiltrates could become additional diagnostic and prognostic tool in precancerous lesions prior to the development of colorectal cancer.RegistrationThe study is registered at the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12624000976583) https://www.anzctr.org.au/

Surviving rectal cancer at the cost of a colostomy: global survey of long-term health-related quality of life in 10 countries

Background Colorectal cancer management may require an ostomy formation; however, a stoma may negatively impact health-related quality of life (HRQoL). This study aimed to compare generic and stoma-specific HRQoL in patients with a permanent colostomy after rectal cancer across different countries. Method A cross-sectional cohorts of patients with a colostomy after rectal cancer in Denmark, Sweden, Spain, the Netherlands, China, Portugal, Australia, Lithuania, Egypt, and Israel were invited to complete questionnaires regarding demographic and socioeconomic factors along with the Colostomy Impact (CI) score, European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) Quality of Life Questionnaire (QLQ-C30) and five anchor questions assessing colostomy impact on HRQoL. The background characteristics of the cohorts from each country were compared and generic HRQoL was measured with the EORTC QLQ-C30 presented for the total cohort. Results were compared with normative data of reference European populations. The predictors of reduced HRQoL were investigated by multivariable logistic regression, including demographic and socioeconomic factors and stoma-related problems. Results A total of 2557 patients were included. Response rates varied between 51-93 per cent. Mean time from stoma creation was 2.5-6.2 (range 1.1-39.2) years. A total of 25.8 per cent of patients reported that their colostomy impairs their HRQoL 'some'/'a lot'. This group had significantly unfavourable scores across all EORTC subscales compared with patients reporting 'no'/'a little' impaired HRQoL. Generic HRQoL differed significantly between countries, but resembled the HRQoL of reference populations. Multivariable logistic regression showed that stoma dysfunction, including high CI score (OR 3.32), financial burden from the stoma (OR 1.98), unemployment (OR 2.74), being single/widowed (OR 1.35) and young age (OR 1.01 per year) predicted reduced stoma-related HRQoL. Conclusion Overall HRQoL is preserved in patients with a colostomy after rectal cancer, but a quarter of the patients interviewed reported impaired HRQoL. Differences among several countries were reported and socioeconomic factors correlated with reduced quality of life. In this global survey among 2557 individuals with a colostomy after rectal cancer, generic and stoma-specific HRQoL differed significantly between countries; however, it resembled that of country-specific population norms. The most important predictors of stoma-related reduced HRQoL were stoma dysfunction and being financially burdened by the colostomy

Post-Operative Functional Outcomes in Early Age Onset Rectal Cancer

Background: Impairment of bowel, urogenital and fertility-related function in patients treated for rectal cancer is common. While the rate of rectal cancer in the young (&lt;50 years) is rising, there is little data on functional outcomes in this group. Methods: The REACCT international collaborative database was reviewed and data on eligible patients analysed. Inclusion criteria comprised patients with a histologically confirmed rectal cancer, &lt;50 years of age at time of diagnosis and with documented follow-up including functional outcomes. Results: A total of 1428 (n=1428) patients met the eligibility criteria and were included in the final analysis. Metastatic disease was present at diagnosis in 13%. Of these, 40% received neoadjuvant therapy and 50% adjuvant chemotherapy. The incidence of post-operative major morbidity was 10%. A defunctioning stoma was placed for 621 patients (43%); 534 of these proceeded to elective restoration of bowel continuity. The median follow-up time was 42 months. Of this cohort, a total of 415 (29%) reported persistent impairment of functional outcomes, the most frequent of which was bowel dysfunction (16%), followed by bladder dysfunction (7%), sexual dysfunction (4.5%) and infertility (1%). Conclusion: A substantial proportion of patients with early-onset rectal cancer who undergo surgery report persistent impairment of functional status. Patients should be involved in the discussion regarding their treatment options and potential impact on quality of life. Functional outcomes should be routinely recorded as part of follow up alongside oncological parameters

Goodbye Hartmann trial: a prospective, international, multicenter, observational study on the current use of a surgical procedure developed a century ago

Background: Literature suggests colonic resection and primary anastomosis (RPA) instead of Hartmann's procedure (HP) for the treatment of left-sided colonic emergencies. We aim to evaluate the surgical options globally used to treat patients with acute left-sided colonic emergencies and the factors that leading to the choice of treatment, comparing HP and RPA. Methods: This is a prospective, international, multicenter, observational study registered on ClinicalTrials.gov. A total 1215 patients with left-sided colonic emergencies who required surgery were included from 204 centers during the period of March 1, 2020, to May 31, 2020. with a 1-year follow-up. Results: 564 patients (43.1%) were females. The mean age was 65.9 ± 15.6&nbsp;years. HP was performed in 697 (57.3%) patients and RPA in 384 (31.6%) cases. Complicated acute diverticulitis was the most common cause of left-sided colonic emergencies (40.2%), followed by colorectal malignancy (36.6%). Severe complications (Clavien-Dindo ≥ 3b) were higher in the HP group (P &lt; 0.001). 30-day mortality was higher in HP patients (13.7%), especially in case of bowel perforation and diffused peritonitis. 1-year follow-up showed no differences on ostomy reversal rate between HP and RPA. (P = 0.127). A backward likelihood logistic regression model showed that RPA was preferred in younger patients, having low ASA score (≤ 3), in case of large bowel obstruction, absence of colonic ischemia, longer time from admission to surgery, operating early at the day working hours, by a surgeon who performed more than 50 colorectal resections. Conclusions: After 100&nbsp;years since the first Hartmann's procedure, HP remains the most common treatment for left-sided colorectal emergencies. Treatment's choice depends on patient characteristics, the time of surgery and the experience of the surgeon. RPA should be considered as the gold standard for surgery, with HP being an exception

Pooled analysis of who surgical safety checklist use and mortality after emergency laparotomy

Background: The World Health Organization (WHO) Surgical Safety Checklist has fostered safe practice for 10 years, yet its place in emergency surgery has not been assessed on a global scale. The aim of this study was to evaluate reported checklist use in emergency settings and examine the relationship with perioperative mortality in patients who had emergency laparotomy. Methods: In two multinational cohort studies, adults undergoing emergency laparotomy were compared with those having elective gastrointestinal surgery. Relationships between reported checklist use and mortality were determined using multivariable logistic regression and bootstrapped simulation. Results: Of 12 296 patients included from 76 countries, 4843 underwent emergency laparotomy. After adjusting for patient and disease factors, checklist use before emergency laparotomy was more common in countries with a high Human Development Index (HDI) (2455 of 2741, 89⋅6 per cent) compared with that in countries with a middle (753 of 1242, 60⋅6 per cent; odds ratio (OR) 0⋅17, 95 per cent c.i. 0⋅14 to 0⋅21, P &lt; 0⋅001) or low (363 of 860, 42⋅2 percent; OR 0⋅08, 0⋅07 to 0⋅10, P &lt; 0⋅001) HDI. Checklist use was less common in elective surgery than for emergency laparotomy in high-HDI countries (risk difference −9⋅4 (95 per cent c.i. −11⋅9 to −6⋅9) per cent; P &lt; 0⋅001), but the relationship was reversed in low-HDI countries (+12⋅1 (+7⋅0 to +17⋅3) per cent; P &lt; 0⋅001). In multivariable models, checklist use was associated with a lower 30-day perioperative mortality (OR 0⋅60, 0⋅50 to 0⋅73; P &lt; 0⋅001). The greatest absolute benefit was seen for emergency surgery in low-and middle-HDI countries. Conclusion: Checklist use in emergency laparotomy was associated with a significantly lower perioperative mortality rate. Checklist use in low-HDI countries was half that in high-HDI countries

Colorectal-vaginal fistula after rectal cancer resection: international comparative cohort study of characteristics and treatment

A colorectal-vaginal fistula (CRVF) can occur as a complication of rectal cancer surgery. They can cause discomfort, repeated infection, need for treatment/further surgery, and a permanent stoma (an opening in the abdomen to collect bowel contents). This study looked at how often CRVF happened after surgery complicated by a leak where bowels ends have been joined together, how they were treated, and how likely patients were to live without a stoma 1 year after surgery. Researchers collected data on women from around the world who had rectal cancer surgery between 2014 and 2018 and developed a bowel leak (called anastomotic leakage). They compared those with and without a CRVF. A total of 88 out of 694 patients (12.7%) developed a CRVF. These patients more often had major surgery involving removal of nearby organs, including part of the vagina. They were more likely to have ongoing problems and needed more surgeries to manage them. Most had a temporary stoma, but only 29.5% could live without it after 1 year, compared with 48.7% of women without CRVF. CRVF is a serious complication that makes recovery harder. These patients are less likely to live without a stoma and usually need more surgery. However, if the leak is small, the chances of recovery without a permanent stoma are better

Surgical site infection after gastrointestinal surgery in high-income, middle-income, and low-income countries: a prospective, international, multicentre cohort study

Background Surgical site infection (SSI) is one of the most common infections associated with health care, but its importance as a global health priority is not fully understood. We quantified the burden of SSI after gastrointestinal surgery in countries in all parts of the world. Methods This international, prospective, multicentre cohort study included consecutive patients undergoing elective or emergency gastrointestinal resection within 2-week time periods at any health-care facility in any country. Countries with participating centres were stratified into high-income, middle-income, and low-income groups according to the UN's Human Development Index (HDI). Data variables from the GlobalSurg 1 study and other studies that have been found to affect the likelihood of SSI were entered into risk adjustment models. The primary outcome measure was the 30-day SSI incidence (defined by US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention criteria for superficial and deep incisional SSI). Relationships with explanatory variables were examined using Bayesian multilevel logistic regression models. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT02662231. Findings Between Jan 4, 2016, and July 31, 2016, 13 265 records were submitted for analysis. 12 539 patients from 343 hospitals in 66 countries were included. 7339 (58·5%) patient were from high-HDI countries (193 hospitals in 30 countries), 3918 (31·2%) patients were from middle-HDI countries (82 hospitals in 18 countries), and 1282 (10·2%) patients were from low-HDI countries (68 hospitals in 18 countries). In total, 1538 (12·3%) patients had SSI within 30 days of surgery. The incidence of SSI varied between countries with high (691 [9·4%] of 7339 patients), middle (549 [14·0%] of 3918 patients), and low (298 [23·2%] of 1282) HDI (p<0·001). The highest SSI incidence in each HDI group was after dirty surgery (102 [17·8%] of 574 patients in high-HDI countries; 74 [31·4%] of 236 patients in middle-HDI countries; 72 [39·8%] of 181 patients in low-HDI countries). Following risk factor adjustment, patients in low-HDI countries were at greatest risk of SSI (adjusted odds ratio 1·60, 95% credible interval 1·05–2·37; p=0·030). 132 (21·6%) of 610 patients with an SSI and a microbiology culture result had an infection that was resistant to the prophylactic antibiotic used. Resistant infections were detected in 49 (16·6%) of 295 patients in high-HDI countries, in 37 (19·8%) of 187 patients in middle-HDI countries, and in 46 (35·9%) of 128 patients in low-HDI countries (p<0·001). Interpretation Countries with a low HDI carry a disproportionately greater burden of SSI than countries with a middle or high HDI and might have higher rates of antibiotic resistance. In view of WHO recommendations on SSI prevention that highlight the absence of high-quality interventional research, urgent, pragmatic, randomised trials based in LMICs are needed to assess measures aiming to reduce this preventable complication. Funding DFID-MRC-Wellcome Trust Joint Global Health Trial Development Grant, National Institute of Health Research Global Health Research Unit Grant