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O Zmora

Publications and source records attributed to O Zmora.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Is mechanical bowel preparation mandatory for left-sided colonic anastomosis? Results of a prospective randomized trial.

BACKGROUND: Preoperative mechanical bowel preparation is aimed to reduce the risk of infectious complications, and its utility is a dogma in left-sided large bowel anastomosis. The aim of this study was to specifically assess whether colocolonic and colorectal anastomoses may be safely performed without preoperative mechanical bowel preparation. METHODS: Patients undergoing elective colon and rectal surgery with primary colocolonic or colorectal anastomosis were prospectively randomized into two groups. The "prep" group had mechanical bowel preparation prior to surgery, while the "non-prep" group had surgery without pre-operative mechanical bowel preparation. RESULTS: Two hundred forty-nine patients were included in the study, 120 in the prep group and 129 in the nonprep group. Demographic characteristics, indications for surgery, and type of surgical procedure did not significantly differ between the two groups. There was no difference in the rate of surgical infectious complications between the two groups. Overall infectious complication rate was 12.5% in the prep group and 13.2% in the non-prep group. Wound infection, anastomotic leak, and intra-abdominal abscess occurred in 6.6%, 4.2%, and 1.6% of patients in the prep group and in 10.0%, 2.3%, and 0.7% of patients in the nonprep group, respectively (p=NS). CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that elective left-sided anastomosis may be safely performed without mechanical preparation. Multicenter studies to test the reproducibility of these results are required, to support a change in this time-honored practice.

Adult↗

Laparoscopically assisted reversal of Hartmann's procedure.

BACKGROUND: Restoration of bowel continuity after Hartmann's procedure is a major surgical procedure associated with substantial morbidity and occasional mortality. The authors review their experience with laparoscopically assisted reversal of Hartmann's procedure (LARH) to assess difficulties and potential advantages associated with this procedure. METHODS: A retrospective chart review of a prospectively entered database was performed to identify patients who underwent LARH over a period of 7 years. Data regarding demographic and clinical characteristics, surgical details, and postoperative course were reviewed. Specifically, age, gender, diagnosis at initial operation, American Society of Anesthesiology (ASA) score, comorbidities, operative time, conversion, surgical team, complications, postoperative bowel movements, and hospital stay were assessed. All surgeries were performed by six experienced laparoscopic surgeons. RESULTS: A total of 27 patients, 17 men and 10 women, with mean ages of 58.1 and 62.9 years, respectively, underwent LARH. The procedure was laparoscopically completed for 23 patients. Conversion to laparotomy was required for four patients (14.8%) because of dense adhesions after the initial Hartmann's procedure in three patients and rectal perforation in one patient. The median operative time was 226 min, and the median hospital stay was 6 days. The overall morbidity rate was 33% (9 patients), attributable to colostomy site infection in 5 of the 9 patients. One patient required reoperation because of intraabdominal bleeding. No anastomotic leaks or intraabdominal abscesses were recorded. There was no operative mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopically assisted reversal of Hartmann's procedure is technically challenging and time consuming. However, in the hands of experienced laparoscopic surgeons, it is safe and associated with a reasonably low conversion rate. Furthermore, the relatively low morbidity rate, short hospital stay, and earlier return of bowel function may be beneficial to patients.

Adolescent↗

Pre-eclampsia is associated with sleep-disordered breathing and endothelial dysfunction.

Pre-eclamptic toxaemia (PET) may be associated with both endothelial dysfunction (ED) and sleep-disordered breathing (SDB). It was hypothesised that females with PET would demonstrate both SDB and ED, and that a correlation between these two would suggest a potential causative association. A total of 17 females with PET and 25 matched females with uncomplicated pregnancy were studied. They underwent a nocturnal ambulatory sleep study (using Watch_PAT100) and noninvasive evaluation of endothelial function utilising the reactive hyperaemia test (using Endo_PAT 2000). A higher ratio of post- to pre-occlusion pulse-wave amplitude (endothelial function index (EFI)) indicated better endothelial function. Females with PET had a significantly higher respiratory disturbance index (RDI) and lower EFI than controls (18.4+/-8.4 versus 8.3+/-1.3.h(-1), and 1.5+/-0.1 versus 1.8+/-0.1, respectively). Blood pressure significantly correlated with RDI and with EFI. EFI tended to correlate with RDI. In conclusion, these results suggest that both sleep-disordered breathing and endothelial dysfunction are more likely to occur in females with pre-eclamptic toxaemia than in females with uncomplicated pregnancies. The current authors speculate that respiratory disturbances contribute to the functional abnormality of the blood vessels seen in females with pre-eclamptic toxaemia, although causality cannot be determined based on this study.

Adult↗

Risk factors regarding the need for a second operation in patients with Crohn's disease.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The majority of Crohn's disease patients undergo surgery. However, the factors that predict post-operative recurrence remain controversial. The aim of the present study was to shed light on the potential predictors of such recurrence. METHODS: 86 patients who underwent operative procedures for Crohn's disease were retrospectively studied. Recurrence was defined as the need for a second operation. Life table and multivariate analysis were performed to find the predictors of recurrence. RESULTS: In 26/86 (30%) of the patients, post-operative recurrence was diagnosed within a mean of 42 months of the follow-up. Logistic regression analysis revealed that smoking (OR 3.69, 95% CI 2.06-11.52) and perforating disease (OR 4.09, 95% CI 1.31-12.65) were associated with a risk of recurrence. However, survival analysis showed that only perforating disease was associated with an early post-operative recurrence (log-rank test, p < 0.001). Neither resected surgical specimen characteristics, nor the duration and the location of the disease were found to predict the need for a second operation. CONCLUSION: The risk for Crohn's disease patients who undergo surgery is related to the presence of perforating disease and smoking, which predict the need for a second operation. The former is associated with an even earlier recurrence.

Adult↗

Laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy.

BACKGROUND: Advanced laparoscopic techniques have been adapted to various surgical pathologies, including pancreatic tumors, with the potential benefits of attenuated surgical trauma, faster recovery, and improved cosmesis. Laparoscopic pancreatic surgery is technically demanding, and thus has not yet gained widespread acceptance. The aim of this study was to review our preliminary experience with laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy for benign and malignant pancreatic pathologies. METHODS: A retrospective chart review of consecutive patients with benign and malignant pancreatic tumors who underwent laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy in a university-affiliated department of surgery between 1997 and 2003 was performed. Data relative to demographic and clinical characteristics, indications for surgery, surgical procedure, and postoperative course were recorded. RESULTS: Laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy was attempted for 12 patients with benign (n = 8) and malignant (n = 4) pancreatic tumors and successfully completed laparoscopically in 75%, of these cases. Six early postoperative complications (two abscesses, two instances of diabetes mellitus, two pancreatic leaks) developed in three patients. The spleen was successfully preserved in 58% of the cases. CONCLUSIONS: This preliminary experience suggests that laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy is a feasible and safe procedure with a morbidity rate comparable with that for the conventional open procedure. However, laparoscopic surgery for malignant pancreatic tumors remains controversial. Larger series with longer follow-up periods are necessary to determine the role of laparoscopic surgery in the treatment of pancreatic pathologies.

Adult↗

The impact of a resident's seniority on operative time and length of hospital stay for laparoscopic appendectomy: outcomes used to measure the resident's laparoscopic skills.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic appendectomy (LA) frequently is performed by residents during calls. This study aimed at evaluating residents' surgical skills using parameters of operating time, length of hospital stay (LOS), and conversion rate in correlation with the operating team's level of seniority. In addition, this study compared the operating time for LA with that for open appendectomy performed by the same teams, and identified deterministic factors that have an impact on such parameters. METHODS: All records of patients undergoing appendectomy performed by residents alone during a 32-month period were reviewed retrospectively. Eight residents were assigned to two levels of seniority: juniors 3 years (S). Operating time and LOS were compared between the three surgical teams, namely, J/J, J/S, and S/J as operating and assistant surgeons, respectively. Operating time, conversion rates, and LOS were compared for the same team combinations. RESULTS: Residents alone performed 341 (151 laparoscopic and 190 open) appendectomies during on-call hours. Four of the residents had been 3 years or less in residency (J), and four had been in residency more than 3 years (S). The overall mean operating time was 1.33 +/- 0.48 h for LA and 1.2 +/- 0.5 h for open appendectomy (p = 0.016). The operating time correlated with the level of training for both LA (J/J, 1.6 +/- 0.38 h; J/S, 1.41 +/- 0.37 h; S/J, 1. 25 +/- 0.4 h; p = 0.03, ANOVA) and open appendectomy (J/J, 1.53 +/- 0.89 h; J/S, 1.4 +/- 0.63 h; S/J, 0.86 +/- 0.45 h; p = 0.023, ANOVA). The mean LOS was 2.9 +/- 3.1 days for open appendectomy and 2.1 +/- 2.8 days for LA (p = 0.065), and was not different after operation by any of the teams (J/J, J/S, S/J) for either the open or the laparoscopic procedure. CONCLUSIONS: There is a distinct difference in the surgical skills of residents according to level of seniority, as primarily reflected by operating time. Laparoscopic appendectomy requires longer time to perform in a teaching setting, but the most deterministic factor that dictates operating time is the composition of the surgical team rather than the laparoscopic approach.

Adolescent↗

Preperitoneal bupivacaine attenuates pain following laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic preperitoneal inguinal hernia repair is associated with a short hospital stay and an early return to normal activity. Therefore, early postoperative pain control is important. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of preperitoneal Bupivacaine instilled into the preperitoneal cavity on pain following laparoscopic mesh repair of inguinal hernia. METHODS: After institutional review board approval, 44 patients undergoing elective laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair were prospectively randomized into two groups. Upon completion of the Prolene mesh repair, group A received 80 mg of Bupivacaine in 25 cc of saline installed into the preperitoneal space, whereas group B received normal saline installed into the preperitoneal space. Pain was assessed using a visual analog scale at fixed time intervals; the amount of analgesics required was also recorded. RESULTS: Twenty-two patients were included in each group. The demographic characteristics and type of surgery (unilateral vs bilateral) did not significantly differ between the two groups. The average pain levels were significantly attenuated in group A compared to group B at 1 (4.0 vs 5.0, respectively; p = 0.0038), 2 (4.0 vs 5.9, respectively; p = 0.0015), and 4 (4.3 vs 5.8, respectively; p = 0.0038) h after surgery. Furthermore, the analgesic intake was significantly decreased in group A compared to group B. CONCLUSION: Preperitoneal Bupivacaine attenuates pain following laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair and should be considered in these cases.

Analgesics, Opioid↗

Laparoscopic management of surgical complications after a recent laparotomy.

BACKGROUND: The use of laparoscopy in the scarred abdomen is now well established. However, recent laparotomy and the presence of a fresh abdominal wound usually preclude laparoscopic intervention. Thus, early postlaparotomy complications, which mandate surgical interventions, are usually treated by a second laparotomy. We report our experience with the use of laparoscopy for the treatment of postoperative complications, after open abdominal procedures. METHODS: Fourteen patients were operated for a variety of conditions, and postoperative complications, such as bowel obstruction, intraabdominal infection, or anastomotic insufficiency, were handled laparoscopically. RESULTS: Eleven patients recovered from the acute condition. One patient died from sepsis, one retroperitoneal abscess was missed and later drained percutaneously, and one conversion to open surgery was necessary because of adhesions and lack of working space. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that a recent laparotomy is not a contraindication for laparoscopic management of acute abdominal conditions. Postlaparotomy complications can be successfully treated by laparoscopy. Avoiding the reopening of the abdominal wound and a second laparotomy may reduce the additional surgical trauma, and thus result in easier recovery.

Anastomosis, Surgical↗

Can the procedure for prolapsing hemorrhoids (PPH) be done twice? Results of a porcine model.

BACKGROUND: The procedure for prolapsing hemorrhoids (PPH) is a new surgical method for the treatment of symptomatic hemorrhoids. In cases of recurrent prolapse, the performance of a second PPH may result in a ring of mucosa and submucosa between the two circular staple lines. In this study, we used a porcine model to assess whether PPH can be safely performed twice. METHODS: Five adult pigs underwent two PPH procedures in one session, leaving a ring of approximately 1 cm of mucosa between the two staple lines. One month later, the pigs were examined under anesthesia. The anal canal was assessed using the following four methods: (a) clinical examination, (b) evaluation of mucosal blood perfusion at different levels of the anal canal via a laser Doppler flow detector, (c) measurement of concentrations of hydroxyproline and collagen to check for fibrosis, and (d) histopathological examination. RESULTS: At the completion of the study period, all five pigs showed no clinical evidence of anorectal dysfunction. On examination under anesthesia 1 month after surgery, there was no evidence of anal stenosis in any of the pigs. The mean mucosal blood flow between the two staple lines did not differ significantly from the flow measured proximally and distally (394 vs 363 and 339 flow units, respectively; p = NS). The collagen levels, based on hydroxyproline concentration, were 81 mcg/mg between the staple lines, compared to 82 and 79 proximally and distally, respectively ( p = NS). There was no significant difference in degree of fibrosis, as assessed histopathologically, between specimens taken from the ring between the staple lines and specimens taken from the area external to the staple lines. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this porcine model suggest that a second synchronous PPH is feasible. A controlled experience involving human subjects is required to determine the safety and usefulness of this technique in cases of metachronous application for recurrent or residual hemorrhoids.

Animals↗

Is routine pouchogram prior to ileostomy closure in colonic J-pouch really necessary?

INTRODUCTION: Colonic J-pouch with coloanal anastomosis has gained popularity in the surgical treatment of middle and lower rectal pathologies. If a diverting ileostomy is performed, a pouchogram is frequently performed prior to ileostomy closure. The aim of this study was to assess the routine use of pouchogram prior to ileostomy closure in patients with colonic J pouch-anal anastomosis. METHODS: All patients who underwent a colonic J pouch-anal anastomosis between 1990 and 2000 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients with temporary loop ileostomy who had pouchogram prior to ileostomy closure were included. Pouchogram results were compared to the patient's post ileostomy closure clinical outcome. Sensitivity, specificity and predictive values of pouchogram were assessed. RESULTS: Eighty-four patients had a pouchogram prior to ileostomy closure. Radiological abnormalities were evident in 6 patients, including 4 strictures, 1 pouch-vaginal fistula and 1 leak. Of these findings, 4 were false positives (3 strictures and 1 leak) and two were true positives (1 stricture and 1 pouch-vaginal fistula). The actual rate of pouch complications was 9.5% (8 complications) including 3 anastomotic leaks, all with normal pouchogram, 3 strictures requiring dilatation under anaesthesia, only one detected by pouchogram, and 2 pouch-vaginal fistulas, only one diagnosed by pouchogram. The sensitivity and specificity of pouchogram, respectively, was 0 and 98% for anastomotic leak, 33 and 96% for stricture, and 50 and 100% for pouch-vaginal fistula. Overall, pouchogram changed the management in only 1 of 84 patients. CONCLUSION: Pouchogram has a low sensitivity in predicting complications following ileostomy closure in patients after colonic J-pouch anal anastomosis and rarely changes the management of these patients. The use of pouchogram prior to ileostomy closure may be unnecessary and should be reserved in cases of clinical suspicion of complications.

Adult↗

Extramammary Paget's disease of the perianal region.

OBJECTIVE: Perianal Paget's disease (PPD) is a rare entity. The standard treatment for either in situ or invasive extra mammary Paget's disease (EMPD) is surgical excision. Local recurrence and morbidity from surgery, especially in the elderly, can, however, be high. The aim of this article is to review our experience with PPD and question the currently preferred treatment approaches in light of its histopathology and therapeutic outcome. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A chart review of our patients with PPD from 1996 to 2002 was carried out to determine their outcome after treatment. Data from review of the literature are presented. RESULTS: Five patients with in situ disease (four females, median age 68 years) were diagnosed as having PPD. A complete surgical excision was attempted in 4 patients and the fifth was treated by photodynamic therapy. At present, all patients are alive, two are free of disease, one has persistent disease and two have local recurrence. CONCLUSION: Considering the significant rate of recurrence even after wide local excision, the extent of surgery needed and the good prognosis with long-term survival, we question whether nonsurgical modalities should be considered in place of surgery as primary treatment for noninvasive PPD, with radical surgery being reserved for failures or invasive disease.

Adult↗

140 consecutive cases of minimally invasive, radio-guided parathyroidectomy: lessons learned and long-term results.

BACKGROUND: The advent of highly accurate parathyroid imaging and the ever-increasing trend towards minimally invasive procedures have changed considerably the surgical approach to the patient with primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) caused by a single parathyroid adenoma. This study analyzes the short- and longer-term results of 140 patients who underwent minimally invasive, radio-guided parathyroidectomy. METHODS: Demographic, clinical, and pre-operative imaging data, operative findings, and short- and long-term results of 140 consecutive patients operated within a 20 months period (8/1999-4/2002), were prospectively entered into a database. Immediate pre-operative sestamibi scintigraphy with skin marking of focal adenoma uptake were followed by intraoperative hand-held gamma probe for the removal of the parathyroid adenoma by unilateral minimal access surgery. Preoperative and surgical data were analyzed and correlated to outcomes, measured by success or failure to cure PHPT, associated morbidity and mortality, predictive value of localizing studies, and postoperative laboratory results in the immediate as well as long-term period. RESULTS: 140 patients, mean age: 55.1 +/- 14.1 years (range 19-88 years), female to male ratio 94:46 with PHPT proven by concomitantly elevated serum calcium and parathormone (PTH) levels, with a single adenoma identified by sestamibi single photon emission tomography (SPECT) scintigraphy and high-resolution sonography, underwent minimally invasive, radio-guided parathyroidectomy. Mean serum levels of preoperative calcium, phosphorus, and PTH were 11.6 +/- 0.8 mg/dL (range 9.1-14), 3.0 +/- 0.3 mg/dL, and 147.1 +/- 94.3 pg/mL (range 68-784), respectively. Overall, in 3 out of 140 patients (2.1%), focused, minimally invasive surgery failed to identify and remove the adenoma. Positive predictive value when both localizing modalities concurred was 99.2%. Positive predictive value of SPECT scan alone was 97.2%. Overall success rate was 97.8% (137/140). 24 hours postoperative mean serum calcium was 9.2 +/- 0.8 mg/dL and at 6 months mean serum calcium, phosphorus, and PTH were 9.4 +/- 1.06 mg/dL, 3.2 +/- 0.8 mg/dL, and 32.1 +/- 11.9 pg/mL, respectively (p = 0.0001). There was no mortality. In 2 patients (1.4%) there was transient vocal cord paresis and there were 8 instances of clinically significant hypocalcemia. In 3 cases (2.1%), a second adenoma manifested itself 9-14 months following surgery and was removed by minimal access procedure. CONCLUSIONS: Minimally invasive, radio-guided focused parathyroidectomy for a single adenoma is safe and effective in curing hyperparathyroidism with a 97% success rate. A second adenoma occurring in less than 3% may be successfully treated with a second minimal access operation. The combined positive predictive value of concurring sestamibi SPECT scintigraphy and sonography of 99.2% may increase success rate, and thus implementing this technique in patients with concurring sonography and scintigraphy may be advocated.

Adenoma↗

Intraoperative endoscopy in laparoscopic colectomy.

BACKGROUND: The localization of focal colonic pathologies is problematical in laparoscopic surgery because it is difficult to palpate the colon. The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of intraoperative lower endoscopy in laparoscopic segmental colectomy. METHODS: We did a retrospective review of the charts of patients who had undergone laparoscopic segmental colectomy. Patients in whom intraoperative lower endoscopy had been used were compared to a group of 250 patients who had colectomy by laparotomy. The patients were matched by type of surgery and operating surgeon. RESULTS: Between 1991 and 2000, 233 patients underwent laparoscopic segmental colectomy at our clinic. Lower endoscopy was employed in 57 of them (24%), as compared to 42 patients (17%) in the laparotomy matched group ( p = 0.042). The diseased segment was successfully identified in all of the patients in whom the main indication for endoscopy was localization (65% of cases). Endoscopy was judged to have changed the surgical management in 66% of the 57 cases in whom it was employed, and especially in 88% of the 37 patients for whom the main indication had been localization. There were no endoscopy-related complications. CONCLUSION: Intraoperative lower endoscopy is a useful and safe tool for the localization of pathologies and the assessment of the intracorporeal anastomosis in laparoscopic segmental colectomy.

Aged↗

Pitfalls and complications with laparoscopic intraperitoneal expanded polytetrafluoroethylene patch repair of postoperative ventral hernia.

BACKGROUND: This study reviewed our experience with laparoscopic ventral postoperative (incisional) hernia repair. METHODS: Clinical data from the first 100 cases were analyzed retrospectively. RESULTS: Between 1997 and 2000, 64 women and 36 men (mean age, 58.4 +/- 13.6 years; range, 27-87 years) underwent laparoscopic hernioplasty. Hernias (mean diameter, 6.2 +/- 3.7 cm) were in a midline (74%), subcostal (10%), or other incision location, and were recurrent in 25%, of the patients. The mean operative time was 119 +/- 77 min. Extensive adhesiolysis was necessary in 37 cases. There was no mortality. The recorded complications included inadvertent enterotomies (n = 6), seromas (n = 11), prolonged ileus (n = 4), and prolonged fever (n = 3). Seven cases were converted; to repair accidental enterotomies (n = 4) due to difficult adhesiolysis (n = 2), or to control bleeding (n = 1). Six patients underwent reoperation because of enetric leak (n = 3) or bowel obstruction (n = 3). There were two documented recurrences (2%). The mean follow-up period was 19 months (range, 12-54 months). CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic intraperitoneal approach to postoperative ventral (incisional) hernia repair may be associated with significant complications and morbidity, which can be prevented in part by meticulous technique and liberal conversions. The justification of this procedure is the low recurrence rate, according to preliminary results.

Adult↗

Trocar site recurrence in laparoscopic surgery for colorectal cancer.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic colorectal surgery has been associated with less postoperative pain, an early return of bowel function, a shorter period of hospitalization and disability, and better cosmetic results. However, the application of laparoscopic techniques to the curative resection of colorectal cancer is still controversial, owing to reports of cancer recurrence at the port site wounds. The accumulation of numerous such reports in a relatively short period raised concern that there might be an extraordinary high rate of port site metastases after laparoscopic colorectal surgery. This concern has led to intense clinical and basic research aimed at determining the incidence and causes of wound recurrence and developing preventative measures to address this problem. Despite these efforts, it is still not clear whether port site metastasis is really an inherent drawback to laparoscopic cancer surgery. METHODS: In this review of the literature on port site metastasis, we gathered data from clinical series of laparoscopic surgery for colorectal cancer. We eliminated series of <50 patients, since they may be flawed by the learning curve required for this technically demanding procedure. RESULTS: The rate of port site recurrences in the 1737 patients who participated in these series was 1%. Although the methods and criteria for patient selection in these studies varied, this figure appears to be comparable to the incidence reported for other malignancies and for laparotomies performed to treat colorectal cancer. CONCLUSION: This review suggests that wound recurrence may actually be the result of an unfortunate learning curve, rather than an inherent concern. However, we must await the final results of large randomized studies before drawing any definitive conclusions.

Adenocarcinoma↗

Bowel preparation for colorectal surgery.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to assess recent literature regarding bowel preparation for colonoscopy and surgery. METHODS: The study was conducted by an Index Medicus English-language search of articles relevant to both oral mechanical and parenteral and oral antibiotic preparation for elective colorectal surgery and mechanical bowel preparation for colonoscopy. The study period was from 1975 to 2000. In addition, studies of elective colorectal surgery without mechanical bowel preparation were also considered. RESULTS: Although several recent prospective, randomized trials have suggested that elective colorectal surgery can be safely performed without any mechanical bowel preparation, mechanical bowel preparation remains the standard of care, at least in North America at the present time. A recent survey of the members of The American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons revealed that the majority currently use sodium phosphate for bowel preparation and use a dual oral antibiotic regimen before elective colorectal surgery, combined with two doses of parenteral antibiotics. Although some of the use patterns are based on prospective, randomized study, others seem founded strictly on habit and theory. CONCLUSIONS: The current methods of bowel cleansing for both colonoscopy and surgery include sodium phosphate and polyethylene glycol; colorectal surgeons practicing in North America currently prefer sodium phosphate. Additional preparation for colorectal surgery includes perioperative parenteral antibiotics and, to a slightly lesser degree, preoperative oral antibiotic preparation. Although some recent prospective, randomized studies have suggested that omission of mechanical bowel preparation for elective colorectal surgery is not only feasible but potentially preferable, caution is recommended before routinely omitting these widely practiced measures, because data to support such routine omission are limited.

Animals↗

Reoperative abdominal and perineal surgery in ileoanal pouch patients.

PURPOSE: Complications of the ileal pouch with ileoanal anastomosis are associated with poor function and diminished quality of life; often, these complications may require surgery to salvage the pouch. The aims of this study were to review our experience with reoperative ileoanal pouch surgery and to define any predictors of pouch salvage surgery. METHODS: Between 1991 and 1999, the medical records of all patients who underwent reoperative ileoanal pouch surgery for either pouch salvage or pouch excision were reviewed; any minor local procedures were excluded. Successful ileoanal pouch salvage was considered to be an intact and functioning pouch, with acceptable patient satisfaction and good control. RESULTS: Thirty-two patients underwent reoperative ileoanal pouch surgery, 25 for attempted pouch salvage and 10 for pouch excision (3 patients were included in both groups). Five patients (20 percent) had pouch reconstruction, 1 of which was successful; 8 (32 percent) had pouch advancement, with a 62 percent success rate; and 16 (64 percent) had local perianal procedures for control of perianal sepsis, with a 75 percent success rate (4 of these required further surgery). The overall success rate of ileoanal pouch salvage surgery was 84 percent, with 64 percent of patients having acceptable function. There was no correlation between the number of ileoanal pouch salvage procedures and failure. Four (40 percent) of the 10 patients who had pouch excision were ultimately diagnosed with Crohn's disease. CONCLUSIONS: Ileoanal pouch salvage surgery is often successful and, in motivated patients without Crohn's disease, is worthwhile. Pouch advancement or local perianal repair yielded better results than did pouch reconstruction. Patients diagnosed with Crohn's disease after ileoanal pouch construction may be best suited for pouch excision when complications occur.

Adult↗