Diseases of the colon and rectum
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Multicenter Study Comparative Study
Risk factors for anastomotic leakage after colectomy.
Anastomotic leakage is a morbid and potentially fatal complication of colorectal surgery. Determination of pre- and intraoperative risk factors may identify patients requiring increased postoperative surveillance for this major complication. ⋯ Fecal contamination and increased blood loss during colectomy should raise suspicion for potential postoperative anastomotic leakage.
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Comparative Study
Does preoperative immunosuppression influence unplanned hospital readmission after surgery in patients with Crohn's disease?
Steroids, immunomodulators, and biologics, often in combination with one another, are frequently used in the treatment of Crohn's disease. Retrospective studies have yielded conflicting results regarding the influence of preoperative immunosuppressive therapy on postoperative complications after surgery in Crohn's disease. Unplanned hospital readmission is considered to be an index of quality surgical care. ⋯ Unplanned hospital readmission occurs frequently (8.3%) after surgery for Crohn's disease. Combination immunosuppressive therapy before surgery in patients with Crohn's disease appears to be associated with an increased incidence of postoperative unplanned hospital readmission.
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Despite accelerated recovery programs and the widespread uptake of laparoscopic surgery, postoperative ileus remains a significant factor affecting length of stay after abdominal surgery. Alvimopan, an opioid-receptor antagonist, may reduce the incidence of postoperative ileus and expedite hospital discharge. ⋯ Alvimopan 12 mg can further reduce time to GI recovery and hospital discharge in patients undergoing abdominal surgery within an accelerated recovery program. Investigation into the effect of alvimopan following laparoscopic surgery and additional cost-benefit analyses are required to further define the role of this intervention.
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Comparative Study
Influence of risk factors on the safety of ileocolic anastomosis in Crohn's disease surgery.
Ileocecal resection is the most commonly performed operation in patients with Crohn's disease. Anastomotic-associated complications, with their associated morbidity, are the most feared risks of surgery. ⋯ Steroid usage and preoperative abscess were associated with higher rates of anastomotic complications following ileocolic resection for Cohn's disease. When both risk factors are present, it is best to avoid primary anastomosis.
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Fewer than 10% of patients with colon cancer in the United States are reportedly treated with a laparoscopic colectomy despite the benefits it has over the open approach. This estimate, however, may be artificially low because of inaccurate case identification. ⋯ There has been widespread adoption of the laparoscopic approach to colon resection for cancer in the United States. Disparities in access remain, with application of this technique favoring patients with a higher socioeconomic status and those able to be treated at higher-volume, academic, and nonrural centers.