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C P Delaney

Publications and source records attributed to C P Delaney.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Long-term outcome after laparoscopic and open surgery for rectal prolapse: a case-control study.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic repair (LR) of rectal prolapse is potentially associated with earlier recovery and lower perioperative morbidity, as compared with open transabdominal repair (OR). Data on the long-term recurrence rate and functional outcome are limited. METHODS: Perioperative data on rectal prolapse in relation to all LRs performed between December 1991 and April 2004 were prospectively collected. The LR patients were matched by age, gender, and procedure type with OR patients who underwent surgery during the same period. Patients with previous complex abdominal surgery or a body mass index exceeding 40 were excluded from the study. Data on recurrence rate, bowel habits, continence, and satisfaction scores were collected using a telephone survey. RESULTS: A total of 111 patients (age, 56.8 +/- 18.1 years; female, 87%) underwent attempted LR. An operative complication deferred repair in two cases. Among the 111 patients, 42 had posterior mesh fixation, and 67 had sutured rectopexy (32 patients with sigmoid colectomy for constipation). Eight patients (7.2%) had conversion to laparotomy. Matching was established for 86 patients. The LR patients had a shorter hospital stay (mean, 3.9 vs 6.0 days; p < 0.0001). The 30-day reoperation and readmission rates were similar for the two groups. The rates for recurrence requiring surgery were 9.3% for LR and 4.7% for OR (p = 0.39) during a mean follow-up period of 59 months. An additional seven patients in each group reported possible recurrence by telephone. Postoperatively, 35% of the LR patients and 53% of the OR patients experienced constipation (p = 0.09). Constipation was improved in 74% of the LR patients and 54% of the OR patients, and worsened, respectively, in 3% and 17% (p = 0.037). The postoperative incontinence rates were 30% for LR and 33% for OR (p = 0.83). Continence was improved in 48% of the LR patients and 35% of the OR patients, and worsened, respectively, in 9% and 18% (p = 0.22). The mean satisfaction rates for surgery (on a scale of 0 to 10) were 7.3 for the LR patients and 8.1 for the OR patients (p = 0.17). CONCLUSIONS: The hospital stay is shorter for LR than for OR. Both functional results and recurrent full-thickness rectal prolapse were similar for LR and OR during a mean follow-up period of 5 years.

Abdomen↗

Laparoscopic vs open total colectomy: a case-matched comparative study.

BACKGROUND: Open total colectomy and ileorectal anastomosis (OTC) is a major colorectal procedure which would preclude laparoscopy in many centers because of technical difficulty and the fact that laparoscopic total colectomy (LTC) takes much longer than standard laparoscopic proctosigmoidectomy (LPS). This study compares OTC with LTC and LPS. METHODS: In this study, 34 LTC patients (May 1999 to August 2003) were matched for age, diagnosis, operative period, and procedure with patients undergoing OTC. Patients with a previous major laparotomy were excluded from the open group. Groups were compared for gender, American Society of Anesthesiology (ASA) classification, operating time, estimated blood loss, length of hospital stay (LOS), complications including readmissions, and costs. The LPS cases were picked randomly from the laparoscopic database (every eighth patient), and the OT and LOS were noted. RESULTS: The LTC and OTC groups were matched for age (mean, 31 vs 34 years; p = 0.2), sex (14 vs 13 females; p = 0.8), ASA (8/23/3/0 vs 8/22/4/0, class 1/2/3/4). The body mass index was higher in the open group (23.8 vs 27.9; p = 0.04). The operating time was significantly longer (187 vs 126 min; p = 0.0001) and the median LOS shorter in the LTC group (3 days [IQR, 2.5-5 days] vs 6 days [IQR 4-8 days]; p = 0.0001). The estimated blood loss was significantly less in the LTC group (168 [50-700] ml) vs 238 [50-800] ml); p = 0.001, but there was no significant difference in the complication (26.5% vs 38.2%; p = 0.4) readmission (11.8% vs 14.7%; p = 1.0), reoperative rates (8.8% vs 11.8%; p = 1.0), or direct costs ($4,578 vs $4,562; p = 0.3). One LTC patient died expired on postoperative day 2 of a cardiac event. Four patients (11.8%) required conversion for obesity (n = 2), adhesions (n = 1), or intraoperative hemorrhage (n = 1). The operating times were 36 min longer in the LTC group than in the LPS group (151 vs 187 min; p = 0.02), but there was no significant difference in the LOS. (3 vs 3 days, p = 0.2). CONCLUSIONS: The findings show that LTC provides a significant decrease in the LOS over OTC, with increased operating time, but without any change in other parameters. A laparoscopic approach to subtotal colectomy is recommended for suitable patients when an experienced team is available.

Adult↗

Management of peristomal pyoderma gangrenosum.

PURPOSE: This study was designed to evaluate the presentation, management, and outcome of peristomal pyoderma gangrenosum at a specialist colorectal unit and develop a strategy for therapy. METHODS: Patients with peristomal pyoderma gangrenosum were identified from a prospectively accrued Institutional Review Board-approved stoma database. Data were collected regarding demographics, disease status, history of illness, time to healing, and treatments used from the database and by chart review. RESULTS: Sixteen patients presented between 1997 and 2002 with peristomal ulceration consistent with a diagnosis of peristomal pyoderma gangrenosum. Diagnosis was predominantly clinically based on a classic presentation of painful, undermined peristomal ulceration. The underlying diagnosis was Crohn's disease in 11 patients, ulcerative colitis in 3, indeterminate colitis in 1, and posterior urethral valves in 1. At the time of development of peristomal pyoderma gangrenosum, the underlying disease was active in 69 percent of patients. Stoma care, ulcer debridement with unroofing of undermined edges, and intralesional corticosteroid injection was associated with a 40 percent complete response rate and further 40 percent partial response rate. Of five patients who received infliximab, four (80 percent) responded to therapy. Complete response after all forms of therapy, including stoma relocation in seven patients, was 87 percent. CONCLUSIONS: Local wound management and enterostomal therapy are extremely important for patients with peristomal pyoderma gangrenosum. Infliximab may provide a useful option for those failing other forms of medical therapy. Relocation of the stoma is reserved for persistent ulceration failing other therapies, because peristomal pyoderma gangrenosum may recur at the new stoma site.

Adrenal Cortex Hormones↗

Robotics in colorectal surgery.

A minimally invasive approach has not yet become the gold standard in colorectal procedures, despite its proven advantages in postoperative recovery. This is in part the result of the technical limitations in today's standard laparoscopy, and the advanced surgical skills that are required. Robotic technology overcomes some of these limitations by successfully providing intuitive motion and enhanced precision and accuracy, in an environment that is much more ergonomic. While currently performed in only few designated centers, this technology has already been applied in almost every major procedure performed to treat both benign and malignant conditions of the large bowel. The feasibility of performing these procedures using robotic systems has been reported in several series. Conversion and complication rates are low, and short term results are comparable to conventional laparoscopy. However, no clear advantages to patients have been demonstrated yet. Furthermore, robotic technology is associated with a significant increase in time consumed during surgery and cost of care. Nevertheless, a great potential for patients benefit in the future may exist with this technology. Increasing clinical experience with these systems, further technological developments, and continuous research are required before robotic technology can be routinely incorporated into surgical procedures on the colon and rectum.

Animals↗

Elective laparoscopic surgery for benign internal enteric fistulas: a review of 43 cases.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic surgery has been applied to the management of various colorectal conditions, with shorter recovery periods than reported for open surgery. This study reviewed the feasibility and outcome of laparoscopic surgery for benign internal enteric fistulas. METHODS: All the patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery for colovesical, colovaginal, enterovesical, and enterocolic fistulas caused by diverticulitis or Crohn's disease from 1995 to 2003 were identified from the prospective laparoscopic surgery database and retrospectively analyzed. Crohn's ileo-ileal fistulas were excluded from the study because these are generally resected more simply en bloc with the terminal ileum. RESULTS: This study enrolled 43 patients (23 men and 20 women) with median age of 43 years, a mean body mass index of 24.5, and in American Society of Anesthesiology (ASA) distribution of 3/33/8/0 (class 1/2/3/4). The diagnosis was diverticular for 24 patients and Crohn's disease for 19 patients. The mean operative time was 163 +/- 80 min (155 in completed and 180 in converted cases), and the mean length of hospital stay was 5.2 +/- 4.7 days (3.9 in completed and 7.9 days in converted cases). A total of 14 patients (32.6%) required conversion for dense adhesions (n = 8), duodenal involvement (n = 3), multiple fistulae (n = 1), fecal leak (n = 1), and additional pathology (n = 1). Conversion rates, analyzed by fistula type, were duodenal (100%), vaginal (66.7%), sigmoid (27.7%), bladder (15.4%), enterocolic (0%), and colocolic (0%). There were six major complications (14%) including anastomotic leak (n = 3), abscesses (n = 2), and postoperative bleeding (n = 1). There were seven minor complications (16.3%) including postoperative ileus (n = 2), transient pleural effusion (n = 1), wound infection (n = 1), transient small bowel obstruction (n = 2), and brachial plexus neuralgia (n = 1). There was no significant difference in the complication (p = 0.57), reoperation (p = 0.3), or readmission (p = 0.4) rates between the completed and converted cases. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic surgery for benign internal enteric fistula offers the earlier recovery seen with other laparoscopic colorectal operations. Duodenal and vaginal involvement by the fistula is associated with a higher conversion rate. A low threshold toward early conversion is useful in these difficult cases to reduce delays in the operating room and the unnecessary use of hospital resources.

Adult↗

Conversion rates in laparoscopic colorectal surgery: a predictive model with, 1253 patients.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed all develop a mathematical model for predicting the conversion rate for patients undergoing laparoscopic colorectal surgery. METHOD: This descriptive single-center study used routinely collected clinical data from 1,253 patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery between November 1991 and April 2003. A two-level hierarchical regression model was used to identify patient, surgeon, and procedure-related factors associated with conversion of laparoscopic to open surgery. The model was internally validated and tested using measures of discrimination and calibration. Exclusion criteria for laparoscopic colectomy included a body mass greater than 50, lesion diameter exceeding 15 cm, and multiple prior major laparotomies (exclusive of appendectomy, hysterectomy, and cholecystectomy). RESULTS: The average conversion rate for the study population was 10.0% (95% confidence interval [CI], 8.3-11.7%). The independent predictors of conversion of laparoscopic to open surgery were the body mass index (odds ratio [OR], 2.1 per 10 Americans Society of Anesthesiology units increase), (ASA) grade 3 or 4, 1 or 2 (OR, 3.2, 5.8), type of resection (low rectal, left colorectal, right colonic vs small/other bowel procedures; OR, 8.82, 4.76, 2.98), presence of intraoperative abscess (OR, 3.60) or fistula (OR, 4.73), and surgeon seniority (junior vs senior staff OR, 1.56). The model offered adequate discrimination (area under receiver operator characteristic curve, 0.74) and excellent agreement (p = 0.384) between observed and model-predicted conversion rates (range of calibration, 3-32% conversion rate). CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic conversion rates are dependent on a multitude of factors that require appropriate adjustment for case mix before comparisons are made between or within centers. The Cleveland Clinic Foundation (CCF) laparoscopic conversion rate model is a simple additive score that can be used in everyday practice to evaluate outcomes for laparoscopic colorectal surgery.

Adolescent↗

Analysis of the outcome of ileal pouch-anal anastomosis in patients with Crohn's disease.

PURPOSE: Ileal pouch-anal anastomosis has come to represent the procedure of choice for patients requiring surgery for mucosal ulcerative colitis. In contrast, a proven diagnosis of Crohn's disease is generally held to preclude ileal pouch-anal anastomosis. However, patients with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis for apparent mucosal ulcerative colitis who are subsequently found to have Crohn's disease have a variable course. We reviewed our experience in this scenario to determine whether selected patients with Crohn's disease may be candidates for ileal pouch-anal anastomosis. METHODS: A retrospective review of the prospectively maintained ileal pouch-anal anastomosis database was undertaken to identify patients with a diagnosis of Crohn's disease after ileal pouch-anal anastomosis. Clinical outcome and quality-of-life data were obtained from the database and chart review. End points were the development of recrudescent Crohn's disease, pouch failure, and quality of life and functional outcome at the time of data collection. Differences between groups were calculated using the chi-squared test. Cumulative incidence of recrudescent Crohn's disease and pouch loss were calculated by the Kaplan-Meier method. Factors predictive of development of recrudescent Crohn's disease and pouch loss were examined by univariate analysis. RESULTS: Sixty patients (32 females; median age, 33 (range, 15-74) years) who underwent ileal pouch-anal anastomosis for mucosal ulcerative colitis subsequently had that diagnosis revised to Crohn's disease. Median follow-up of all patients was 46 (range, 4-158) months at time of data collection by which time 21 patients (35 percent) had developed recrudescent Crohn's disease. No pre-ileal pouch-anal anastomosis factors examined were predictors of the development of recrudescent Crohn's disease on univariate analysis. Median follow-up of the latter group was 63 (range, 0-132) months from time of diagnosis, by which time six patients underwent pouch excision and another patient was permanently defunctioned. The overall pouch loss rate for the entire cohort was 12 percent and 33 percent for those with recrudescent Crohn's disease. Median daily bowel movements in those with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis in situ at the time of data collection was 7 (range, 3-20), with 50 percent of patients rarely or never experiencing urgency and 59 percent reporting perfect or near perfect continence. Median quality of life, health, and happiness scores were 9.9 and 10 of 10. CONCLUSIONS: The secondary diagnosis of Crohn's disease after ileal pouch-anal anastomosis is associated with protracted freedom from clinically evident Crohn's disease, low pouch loss rate, and good functional outcome. Such results only can be improved by the continued development of medical strategies for the long-term suppression of Crohn's disease. These data support a prospective evaluation of ileal pouch-anal anastomosis in selected patients with Crohn's disease.

Adolescent↗

Shorter hospital stay associated with fastrack postoperative care pathways and laparoscopic intestinal resection are not associated with increased physical activity.

OBJECTIVE: Recent prospective studies have shown that 'fast track' postoperative care protocols (FT) can reduce hospitalization after major intestinal surgery to 4.5 days, as compared to the 7-10 days with traditional management (TR) and 2.5 days after laparoscopic surgery (LC). We used computerized actigraphy (CA) to evaluate physical activity using TR, FT and LC approaches. METHODS: Fifteen patients undergoing intestinal resection by LC, TR and FT were recruited. CA devices were placed on the wrist and ankle of each patient from day 1 until hospital discharge. Intra-patient and intergroup analyses were performed using 24 h evaluations, and periods from 0800-2000 h. Results are presented for, level of activity (LOA; activity counts per minute), activity index (AI;% epochs with activity) and acceleration index (ACI; change in activity rate during analysis period) for 0800-2000 h. RESULTS: Levels of activity measured by wrist and ankle CA devices for the three different care protocols were: LC, 6263 +/- 8008 (wrist), 1640 +/- 3795 (ankle); FT 7874 +/- 8550 (wrist), 2153 +/- 4838 (ankle); LC 8526 +/- 9917 (wrist), 2326 +/- 4905 (ankle). Length of hospital stay was significantly shorter in LC than FT and TR patients (P < 0.01). There was no significant increase in wrist or ankle LOA for FT or LC patients. Similarly, there was no difference in AI or ACI. CONCLUSION: Although CA is an easily standardized method of evaluating physical activity after major abdominal surgery, no difference can be demonstrated between activity levels in patients managed by differing care pathways. Reductions in stay may be associated with factors other than a change in the level of physical activity after surgery.

Adult↗

Clinical perspective on postoperative ileus and the effect of opiates.

Postoperative ileus (POI) is a mandatory period of cessation of intestinal function, after abdominal surgery. Over the last decade research has continued into this field, and while we continue to learn about pathogenesis, few controlled data are available for management. The clinical manifestations of POI are reviewed. Management techniques are also reviewed, including the use of postoperative care plans with early ambulation and diet, the effects of epidural anaesthesia, benefits of laparoscopic approaches for intestinal resection, and potential avenues for prevention using novel medications.

Analgesics, Opioid↗

Randomized clinical trial comparing epidural anaesthesia and patient-controlled analgesia after laparoscopic segmental colectomy.

BACKGROUND: This randomized clinical trial compared the use of thoracic epidural anaesthesia-analgesia (TEA) with morphine patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) for pain relief after laparoscopic colectomy. METHODS: Patients scheduled for segmental laparoscopic colectomy were randomized to receive TEA or PCA. Patients in the TEA group received bupivacaine and fentanyl before incision and after surgery by continuous infusion for 18 h. Patients in the PCA group self-administered morphine using an intravenous pump. The postoperative care plan was otherwise identical for the two groups. Postoperative pain was measured during ambulation using a visual analogue pain score. RESULTS: The study included 38 patients (18 TEA, 20 PCA), 16 of whom underwent right hemicolectomy or ileocolectomy and 22 sigmoid colectomy. Operating times, patient weight and distribution of American Society of Anesthesiologists grade were similar in the two groups. The mean(s.e.m.) total dose of drugs administered was 64(41) mg morphine in the PCA group, and 79(42) mg bupivacaine and 205(140) micro g fentanyl in the TEA group. Postoperative pain scores were significantly better in the TEA group at 6 h (mean(s.e.m.) 2.2(0.4) versus 6.6(0.5) with PCA; P = 0.001) and 18 h (2.2(0.3) versus 4.0(0.4); P = 0.003). Hospital stay was similar in the two groups. CONCLUSION: TEA significantly improved early analgesia following laparoscopic colectomy but did not affect the length of hospital stay.

Analgesia, Patient-Controlled↗

Evaluation of POSSUM and P-POSSUM scoring systems in assessing outcome after laparoscopic colectomy.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to compare the actual and predicted risk-adjusted morbidity and mortality after laparoscopic colectomy (LAC) calculated using both the Physiological and Operative Severity Score for the enUmeration of Mortality and morbidity (POSSUM) and Portsmouth POSSUM (P-POSSUM) scoring systems. METHODS: All patients who underwent LAC performed by a single surgeon between March 1999 and December 2000 were analysed. The observed morbidity and mortality rates were compared with those predicted by the POSSUM scoring system, and the observed mortality rate with that predicted by P-POSSUM. The operative severity component of the operative score was sequentially decreased from 4 (standard score for open colectomy) to 2, then 1, in an attempt to correct overprediction. RESULTS: Two hundred and fifty-one consecutive patients underwent LAC, with a conversion rate of 8.0 per cent. The morbidity rate (6.8 per cent) was significantly lower than the predicted rates calculated with an operative score of 4 or 2 (12.4 per cent, P < 0.001; 9.6 per cent, P = 0.001), but was fully corrected with an operative score of 1 (7.0 per cent, P = 0.325). The observed mortality rate (0.8 per cent) was significantly different from the expected mortality rates calculated using either uncorrected POSSUM (9.6 per cent, P = 0.001) or P-POSSUM (3.5 per cent, P = 0.001). POSSUM (2.6 per cent, P = 0.007) continued to overpredict mortality but P-POSSUM (1.0 per cent, P = 0.001) accurately predicted mortality with an operative score of 1. CONCLUSION: LAC appeared to be associated with lower morbidity and mortality rates than those predicted by the POSSUM scoring system, and with a lower mortality rate than that predicted using the P-POSSUM system.

Adolescent↗

Pathological subgroups may predict complications but not late failure after ileal pouch-anal anastomosis for indeterminate colitis.

INTRODUCTION: Ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) for indeterminate colitis (IndC) may lead to an increased risk of perineal complications and pouch loss. This study evaluated pathological subgroups of IndC to identify a predictor of increased complication rates after IPAA for IndC. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Of 171 IPAAs with a postoperative diagnosis of IndC, IndC was confirmed in 115 of the 140 specimens available for re-examination. These were divided into IndC favouring ulcerative colitis (Group I; n = 99), 'true' IndC (Group II; n = 8), and IndC favouring Crohn's (Group III; n = 8). 61 presented with fulminant colitis. Patients in Group I were subdivided into having (A) deep ulcers (B) transmural lymphoid aggregates (C) skip lesions (D) terminal ileal inflammation and/or (E) a caecal patch. Outcome was determined by chart analysis, and compared to 231 randomly selected patients with IPAA for ulcerative colitis (UC) matched for age, gender, and follow-up. RESULTS: Only patients with evidence of deep ulceration (Group IA) had a significant increase in the incidence of Crohn's disease (4.3%vs. 0.43%, P = 0.04), complex perianal fistulae (4.3%vs. 0.43%, P = 0.04), and pelvic abscess (12.9%vs. 2.2%, P < 0.001). No pathological subgroup of IndC patients had a significantly different rate of pouch failure or pouch loss. CONCLUSIONS: Pathological stratification may predict those more likely to develop Crohn's disease or other complications, but not pouch failure. On this basis, we feel that patients with IndC should not be precluded from having IPAA surgery.

Anastomosis, Surgical↗

Clinically based management of rectal prolapse.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic repair of rectal prolapse offers the potential of lower recurrence rates for transabdominal repair coupled with the advantages of minimally invasive colorectal surgery. There have been no direct comparisons of the laparoscopic Wells procedure (LWP) and laparoscopic resection with rectopexy (LRR). This study is the first to make a direct comparison of outcomes from laparoscopic LRR and LWP repairs using a selected, symptom-based choice of operative procedure. METHODS: Consecutive patients presenting with complete rectal prolapse were evaluated by clinical history of the degree of constipation, diarrhea, or incontinence. Patients with a history of constipation or normal bowel habits with normal continence underwent LRR, whereas those with diarrhea or anal incontinence underwent LWP. The collected data included age, gender, operative time, length of hospital stay (LOS), operative blood loss, complications, and postoperative symptoms of constipation or diarrhea. Continence was scored using the Cleveland Clinic scoring system. RESULTS: Of the 24 patients, 11 underwent LRR and 13 had LWP. The patients in both groups were predominantly, female (LRR, 9/1; LWP, 10/2). The LRR patients were significantly younger (48.6 vs 63.9 years p <0.001). Both operative time and LOS were significantly longer in the RR group (operative time, 128.5 +/- 80.6 min vs 69.9 +/- 13.4 min; LOS, 3.6 +/- 3.1 days vs 2.2 +/- 1.03 days). All patients in the LRR group had constipation preoperative, and no patients were incontinent clinically. Preoperatively, 7 of the 13 patients in the LWP group had preoperative diarrhea, and 1 patient had clinical constipation. A five patients experienced clinical symptoms of fecal incontinence, manifested in different degrees. Postoperative complications occurred only in the LRR group (1 case of abdominal wall hematoma and 2 cases of prolonged ileus). During a mean follow-up period of 18.1 months, there were no recurrences; 10 of the 11 LRR patients had correction of constipation; and 4 of 5 of the incontinent LWP patients had improvement in their symptoms. Constipation developed in one LWP patient. CONCLUSIONS: Clinical assessment of preoperative bowel function and continence allows accurate selection of the appropriate laparoscopic technique for repair of rectal prolapse without the added expense of anal physiologic testing. Although LRR may be associated greater morbidity than LWP, both procedures offer good functional outcome, with short LOS and low recurrence rates.

Adult↗

Mucosectomy vs. stapled ileal pouch-anal anastomosis in patients with familial adenomatous polyposis: functional outcome and neoplasia control.

PURPOSE: The tradeoff of neoplasia control for better function represented by a stapled ileal pouch-anal anastomosis is still controversial in patients with familial adenomatous polyposis. We compared outcomes after mucosectomy and hand-sewn ileal pouch-anal anastomosis with those after stapled ileal pouch-anal anastomosis in 119 patients with familial adenomatous polyposis who underwent surgery since 1983. METHODS: Age, gender, length of follow-up, complications, quality of life, incontinence, urgency, nighttime and daytime seepage, pad usage, necessity of ileostomy, and incidence of adenomas developing in pouch and anal transitional zone were recorded. RESULTS: There were 42 mucosectomy and 77 stapled patients who were followed up for an average of 5.8 and 3.6 years, respectively, with endoscopic surveillance. There was one postoperative death in the stapled group that prohibited long-term follow-up. Nine of 42 mucosectomy patients developed pouch adenomas vs. 8 of 76 in the stapled group. Six of 42 patients developed adenomas in the mucosectomized anal transitional zone in the mucosectomy group. Twenty-one of 76 patients developed adenomas in the anal transitional zone in the stapled group. All were managed with local procedures or further surveillance. One of 76 patients developed cancer in the residual low rectum; this required further resection. Patients with stapled anastomosis had better outcomes in every category. Differences in incontinence, daytime and nighttime seepage, pad usage, and avoidance of ileostomy were statistically significant. All patients with mucosectomy required ileostomy vs. only 40 of 77 patients with stapled anastomosis. CONCLUSION: Familial adenomatous polyposis patients with stapled ileal pouch-anal anastomosis have better functional outcome and can avoid temporary diversion. This should be balanced against a 28 percent incidence of adenomas in the anal transitional zone.

Adenoma↗

Crohn's disease of the small bowel.

Crohn's disease of the small bowel frequently requires surgical intervention. While dealing with the disease complications that require intervention, treatment should be based on a long-term strategic plan that recognizes the likelihood of recurrent disease, repeat surgeries, and the possibility of a future ostomy. Resection forms the basis for surgical treatments, but strictureplasty, abscess drainage, intestinal and diversion bypasses also are used, selectively.

Abscess↗

'Fast track' postoperative management protocol for patients with high co-morbidity undergoing complex abdominal and pelvic colorectal surgery.

BACKGROUND: A combination of factors has emphasized the need to reduce postoperative stay after surgery. Multimodal care plans may shorten hospital stay, but have been associated with high readmission rates and are generally reserved for straightforward, non-complicated colonic (not rectal) resections. This study evaluated a 'fast track' protocol in patients undergoing major colonic and rectal surgery. METHODS: Sixty consecutive patients (median age 44.5 (range 13-70) years) underwent major procedures over a 6-week period on one colorectal service. Nasogastric tubes and epidural anaesthesia were not used. Patients participated in a protocol of early diet and early ambulation, and were discharged after meeting defined criteria. RESULTS: Fifty-eight patients (97 per cent) were deemed suitable for the 'fast track' approach at the time of surgery and stayed for a mean(s.d.) of 4.3(1.6) days after operation. Patients in diagnosis-related group (DRG) 148 (colorectal resection with co-morbidity; n = 40) stayed for 4.6(1.7) days, which was longer than those in DRG 149 (without co-morbidity; n = 18) who stayed 3.5(0.8) days (P = 0.01). Three patients (5 per cent) required a nasogastric tube for vomiting. There were no readmissions directly attributable to 'fast track' failure, although four patients (7 per cent) were readmitted within 30 days of operation for other reasons. Eight poorly compliant patients stayed for 5.1(1.1) days (P = 0.02 versus compliant patients). 'Fast track' patients had a shorter length of stay than patients receiving traditional care on other colorectal services during the same time period (compared by DRG 148, DRG 149 and for all patients) (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: The 'fast track' protocol allows patients with high levels of co-morbidity undergoing complex colorectal and reoperative pelvic surgery to benefit from a rapid recovery and early discharge from hospital. The approach is safe and has low readmission rates.

Adolescent↗

Epidural anesthesia-analgesia shortens length of stay after laparoscopic segmental colectomy for benign pathology.

BACKGROUND: Aggressive postoperative care plans after open colectomy may allow earlier discharge, especially in conjunction with preoperative thoracic epidural anesthesia-analgesia using a local anesthetic and narcotic. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the role of thoracic epidural anesthesia-analgesia using bupivacaine and fentanyl citrate in reducing lengths of stay after laparoscopic colectomy (LAC). METHODS: A consecutive cohort of patients who underwent LAC and who received perioperative thoracic epidural anesthesia-analgesia (TEG) was compared with a standard group of patients (STD) undergoing LAC during the 2 months preceding the implementation of the epidural management protocol. Patients with TEG received 6 to 8 mL bupivacaine (0.25%) and fentanyl citrate (100 microg) through a T8-9 or a T9-10 epidural catheter before the incision was made and a postoperative infusion of bupivacaine (0.1%) and fentanyl citrate (5 microg/mL) at 4 to 6 mL/h for 18 hours. STD patients had supplemental intravenous morphine. The postoperative care plan was otherwise identical between the 2 groups. Patients were matched by sex, age, and type of segmental resection. Discharge criteria included tolerance of 3 general diet meals, passage of flatus or stool, and adequate oral analgesia. Length of stay was defined as the time from admission for the surgical procedure to discharge from the hospital. Statistical analysis included a Student t test, Wilcoxon rank sum test, chi-square trend test, and Fisher exact test where appropriate. Data are presented as mean +/- SEM. RESULTS: Procedures performed were: right hemicolectomy-ileocolectomy (TEG, n = 5; STD, n = 5); or sigmoid colectomy-rectopexy (TEG, n = 17; STD, n = 17). There was no significant difference with respect to operating room (OR) time (TEG, 102 +/- 12 minutes; STD, 87 +/- 17 minutes), body mass index (TEG, 26 +/- 2; STD, 26 +/- 2), or American Society of Anesthesiologists class (I-III) distribution (TEG, 3/12/10; STD, 4/11/7), or mean incision length (TEG, 3.5 +/- 0.4 cm; STD, 3.7 +/- 0.3 cm.) No postoperative complications or readmissions occurred in either group. The length of stay decreased in the TEG group (TEG, 2.8 +/- 0.2 days; STD, 3.9 +/- 0.3; P <.001) and the median length of stay for the 2 groups was similarly less (TEG, 2 days; STD, 3 days). CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that thoracic epidural anesthesia-analgesia has a significant and favorable impact on dietary tolerance and length of stay after LAC. A thoracic epidural appears to be an important component of a postoperative care protocol, which adds further advantage to LAC without the need for labor-intensive and costly patient care plans.

Analgesia, Epidural↗