Biomedical subjects

Feza H Remzi

Publications and source records attributed to Feza H Remzi.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

PubMed2005

Surgical outcome in patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis undergoing ileal pouch-anal anastomosis: a case-control study.

BACKGROUND: The outcome of restorative proctocolectomy in the setting of chronic ulcerative colitis complicated by primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is not clear. The purpose of this study was to determine the surgical outcome, risk of dysplasia/cancer, morbidity/mortality, long-term results, and functional and quality of life results in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and PSC who underwent restorative proctocolectomy with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis and compare them in a case-matched study. METHODS: Patients with PSC-associated IBD undergoing restorative proctocolectomy between 1983 and 2002 were included in the study. This study group was matched for age, gender, diagnosis, duration of disease, anastomosis technique, and proximal diversion to a cohort of IBD patients with no associated PSC who underwent restorative proctocolectomy during the same period of time. Postoperative morbidity, incidence of neoplasia/cancer in the resected specimen, pouchitis, pouch failure, long-term mortality, and 5-year survival rates were compared between the groups. The functional and quality of life records were prospectively collected and compared between the groups. For each group, matched Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was also conducted comparing 5-year survival between the 2 cohorts, matching for diagnosis, duration of disease, age, gender, anastomosis type, and proximal diversion. RESULTS: Sixty-five patients with PSC and IBD underwent restorative proctocolectomy with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis during the study period. Two hundred sixty IBD patients with no associated PSC who matched with the outlined criteria comprised the control group. The follow-up period was 68 +/- 50 months for the PSC group and 102 +/- 62 months for the control group. A higher incidence of cancer (14% vs 5%, P = .02) and dysplasia in the resected specimen (40% vs 7%, P < .001), an associated increased risk of postoperative pelvic sepsis (14% vs 5%, P = .02), and higher long-term mortality (35% vs 4%, P < .001) were found in the PSC group compared with control group with no associated PSC. The majority, 13 of 23 (57%), of the deaths in the PSC group were a result of liver disease. Five-year survival for the PSC group was significantly poorer than the 5-year survival for the control group with no associated PSC. No significant differences were found in functional and quality of life results between the groups in the short- and long-term follow-up periods. CONCLUSIONS: PSC-associated IBD patients after restorative proctocolectomy have a higher risk of neoplasia/cancer in the resected specimen, postoperative pelvic sepsis, and higher long-term mortality. Functional and quality of life remains similar in IBD patients after restorative proctocolectomy with or without associated PSC in the follow-up. However, patients with IBD and PSC have a significantly poorer survival than patients with no associated PSC after restorative proctocolectomy.

Adult↗

PubMed2005

Differentiating risk factors for acute and chronic pouchitis.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Pouchitis is the most common complication of ileal pouch anal anastomosis in patients with ulcerative colitis. In some cases the inflammation becomes chronic and requires long-term medical therapy. The clinical course and medical therapy are different between acute pouchitis and chronic pouchitis. The aim of this study was to determine if there are predictors of risk for acute vs. chronic pouchitis. METHODS: Patients with acute pouchitis (N = 40) and patients with chronic pouchitis (N = 40) were matched with a control group who never had pouchitis (N = 40). Data were collected for multiple pre-, peri-, and postoperative factors and follow-up telephone calls were performed. Case-control univariable analyses and multivariate logistic regression were used to measure the association between covariates and pouchitis. RESULTS: Multivariate logistic regression showed that extensive colonic disease (odds ratio [OR], 2.99; P = .045 for acute pouchitis; and OR, 4.61; P = .010 for chronic pouchitis) and extraintestinal manifestations (OR, 2.88; P = .037 for acute pouchitis; and OR, 2.69; P = .047 for chronic pouchitis) were associated with both acute and chronic pouchitis. Postoperative nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) use was associated with chronic pouchitis, but less so with acute pouchitis. Patients with fulminant colitis as an indication for surgery had a decreased risk for developing chronic pouchitis (OR, 0.22; P = .036), but no such association was seen for acute pouchitis. CONCLUSIONS: Extensive colonic disease and preoperative extraintestinal manifestations are associated with increased risk for both acute and chronic pouchitis. Fulminant colitis leading to colectomy is protective from development of chronic pouchitis. Postoperative use of NSAIDS is a risk factor for chronic pouchitis and possibly for acute pouchitis, and thus should be discouraged for patients who undergo ileal pouch anal anastomosis.

Acute Disease↗

PubMed2005

Evaluation of the learning curve in ileal pouch-anal anastomosis surgery.

SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: We define the learning curve required to attain satisfactory training in ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) and identify possible differences in the learning curve for stapled and hand-sewn IPAA surgery. Various studies have addressed the differences in failure rate between stapled and hand-sewn IPAA, but there is no literature that evaluates the differences in attaining satisfactory training in each of these techniques. METHODS: Data were collected from 1965 patients undergoing IPAA surgery by 12 surgeons in a single center between 1983 and 2001. Using ileoanal pouch failure as the primary end point, a parametric survival model was used to adjust for case mix (patient comorbidity, preoperative diagnosis, manometric findings, and prior anal pathology). A risk-adjusted cumulative sum (CUSUM) model was used for monitoring outcomes in IPAA surgery. RESULTS: The 5-year ileal pouch survival was 95.6% (median patient follow-up of 4.2 years; range 0-19 years). Fifty percent of trainee staff demonstrated a learning curve in IPAA surgery. Having adjusted for case mix, trainee staff undertaking stapled IPAA surgery showed an improvement in the pouch failure rate following an initial training period of 23 cases versus 40 cases for senior staff. The learning curve for hand-sewn IPAA surgery was quantified only for senior staff who attained adequate results following an initial period of 31 procedures. CONCLUSIONS: The CUSUM method was a useful tool for objectively measuring performance during the learning phase of IPAA surgery. With adequate training, supervision, and monitoring, the learning curve in IPAA surgery may be reduced even further.

Adult↗

PubMed2005

Clinical approach to diseases of ileal pouch-anal anastomosis.

Restorative proctocolectomy with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) is the surgical treatment of choice for ulcerative colitis (UC) patients with medically refractory disease or dysplasia. IPAA significantly improves quality of life in UC patients who require surgery. However, certain inflammatory and noninflammatory diseases can develop after the surgery, including pouchitis, Crohn's disease of the pouch, cuffitis, and irritable pouch syndrome. The etiology and pathogenesis of these disease conditions of IPAA are largely unknown. Accurate diagnosis and classification are important for appropriate management. Endoscopic evaluation is the most important tool for the diagnosis and differential diagnosis.

Adrenal Cortex Hormones↗

PubMed2005

Comprehensive evaluation of inflammatory and noninflammatory sequelae of ileal pouch-anal anastomoses.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) improves quality of life (QOL) for ulcerative colitis patients who require surgery. Crohn's disease (CD) of the pouch, pouchitis, cuffitis, and irritable pouch syndrome (IPS) have an adverse impact on physical and psychological well-being, which can compromise the gain in QOL after the surgery. Their clinical, endoscopic, and histologic features have not been fully characterized. The aim of this study was to compare demographic, clinical, endoscopic, and histologic features between CD of the pouch, pouchitis, cuffitis, IPS, and normal pouches. METHODS We enrolled 124 patients: normal pouches (N = 26), CD of the pouch (N = 23), pouchitis (N = 22), cuffitis (N = 21), and IPS (N = 32). Symptomatology, endoscopy, histology, and the Cleveland Global QOL and the Irritable Bowel Syndrome-QOL scores were compared among the groups. RESULTS: Univariate analysis of demographic and clinical data showed a possible association between NSAID use and pouchitis, extraintestinal manifestation and cuffitis, and antidepressant use and IPS. There were no differences in the Pouchitis Disease Activity Index symptom scores between the disease groups, with an exception of bleeding, which occurred almost exclusively in cuffitis. Endoscopy was useful in discriminating between CD of the pouch, pouchitis, cuffitis, and normal pouches or IPS. Patients with diseased IPAA had worse QOL scores. CONCLUSIONS: Symptoms largely overlapped among the disease groups of IPAA. Endoscopy is valuable for diagnosis. Inflammatory or noninflammatory sequelae of IPAA adversely affected patients' QOL.

Adult↗

PubMed2004

Functional outcome and quality of life after repeat ileal pouch-anal anastomosis for complications of ileoanal surgery.

PURPOSE: Disconnection of an ileal pouch-anal anastomosis with repeat ileal pouch-anal anastomosis has been proposed for treatment of ileal pouch-anal anastomosis failure caused by septic or functional complications. We report our experience with repeat ileal pouch-anal anastomosis, and document functional outcome and quality of life. METHODS: Of 101 patients undergoing laparotomy, ileoanal disconnection, and repeat ileal pouch-anal anastomosis, 80 were referred from other institutions. Indications included: chronic anastomotic leak (n=27), perineal or pouch-vaginal fistula (n=47), anastomotic stricture (n=22), dysfunction/long efferent limb of S-pouch (n=36), and previous ileal pouch-anal anastomosis excision or exclusion (n=6). In 64 cases a "septic" indication was observed. Pathologic features of Crohn's disease were present in 4 patients preoperatively and 15 more after repeat ileal pouch-anal anastomosis. Four patients had clinical features of Crohn's disease. RESULTS: Three patients had no ileostomy, and 82 patients had temporary ileostomy closure. Of these, 82 percent have a functioning pouch, with a median follow-up of 32 functioning months. Two were rediverted and 13 had the pouch excised. Five-year pouch survival was 74 percent, higher for ulcerative colitis (79 percent) than Crohn's disease (53 percent; P=0.06). No differences were seen between those having repeat ileal pouch-anal anastomosis for septic or nonseptic indications, or whether using a new or repaired pouch. Patients defecated 6.3 +/- 2.8 (mean +/- standard deviation) times per day, and 2 +/- 1.9 per night. Thirty-five percent of patients never described urgency. Fecal seepage occurred in 50 percent during the day and 69 percent at night. Using the Cleveland Global Quality of Life Score to assess the patient's quality of life, health, level of energy, and happiness with surgery (each scored from 0-10), quality of life was 8.2 +/- 1.6, and happiness with surgery was 9 +/- 2. Ninety-seven percent would undergo repeat ileal pouch-anal anastomosis again, and 99 percent would recommend it to others. CONCLUSIONS: Repeat ileal pouch-anal anastomosis is a valid alternative for patients with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis failure. A controlled septic condition should not preclude salvage surgery. Although pouch failure occurs more frequently than after primary ileal pouch-anal anastomosis, patient satisfaction and quality of life are high.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2004

Application of Adcon-P or Seprafilm in consecutive laparotomies using a murine model.

BACKGROUND: Intraabdominal administration of antiadhesive products may reduce postoperative adhesions. We compared two barriers, Adcon-P (Gliatech, Cleveland, Ohio) and Seprafilm (Genzyme, Cambridge, Massachusetts), in a relaparotomy murine model to evaluate whether using them during the first and second laparotomy reduces adhesion formation better than using them only during the relaparotomy. METHODS: One-hundred and fifty mice underwent cecal abrasion, followed by complete adhesiolysis and cecal abrasion 21 days later. All were sacrified 21 days after the second operation. The mice (30 to a group) received Adcon-P in both surgeries (AA), Seprafilm in both surgeries (SS), Adcon-P in the second surgery (CA), Seprafilm in the second surgery (CS), or neither barrier (CC). Difficulty of adhesiolysis was blindly assessed with a 6-point scoring system and sites of adhesions were determined with a yes/no questionnaire. RESULTS: The AA group had lower adhesiolysis score than SS, CS, and CC groups, and had fewer adhesions over cecum and between cecum and intra-peritoneal fat than all other groups. The numbers of the animals had adhesions between the cecum and abdominal wall were similar between the treatment groups. No difference was observed between SS and CS groups in any analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Using Adcon-P starting with the first laparotomy more effectively reduce adhesion formation and difficulty of adhesiolysis. Using Seprafilm only in the relaparotomy is as effective as using it in both laparotomies. Adcon-P is more effective in preventing adhesions to different sites than Seprafilm except to the abdominal wall under the midline incision.

Animals↗

PubMed2004

Fertility is reduced after restorative proctocolectomy with ileal pouch anal anastomosis: a study of 300 patients.

BACKGROUND: Restorative proctocolectomy and ileal pouch anal anastomosis (RP/IPAA) has become the gold standard surgical therapy for the majority of patients with mucosal ulcerative colitis and familial adenomatous polyposis. The aims of this study were to evaluate the fertility rates before and after RP/IPAA, to compare them with the reproductive data of the general United States population, and to determine surgical parameters that might influence subsequent fertility. METHODS: Three hundred women of reproductive age who underwent RP/IPAA between 1983 and 2001 completed a mailed questionnaire regarding their reproductive function before and after the procedure. Additional information was obtained from the pelvic pouch database. The reproductive information was compared to age-matched historical control subjects from the United States general population. The associations between changes in fertility and surgical parameters were also investigated. RESULTS: The median (25th, 75th percentile) age at surgery was 28 (24, 33) years. Out of 300 women, 206 attempted to conceive. Before operation, 48 (38%) of 127 patients were unsuccessful after 1 year of unprotected intercourse, whereas after operation, 76 (56%) of 135 patients were unsuccessful. This infertility rate was higher after operation than before (P <.001). For the subgroup of 56 women who tried to get pregnant both before and after operation, the infertility rate was higher after operation than before (69% vs 46%; P=.005). Also, a higher percentage of these patients who had an intraoperative transfusion were infertile after operation compared to patients who did not have an intraoperative transfusion (54% vs 21%; P=.023). CONCLUSIONS: There was an increase in the infertility rate after RP/IPAA. Intraoperative blood transfusion had a negative impact on the fertility rate after operation in patients who tried to conceive both before and after RP/IPAA.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2004

Ex vivo histology-correlated optical coherence tomography in the detection of transmural inflammation in Crohn's disease.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Distinguishing Crohn's disease (CD) from ulcerative colitis (UC) can be difficult. Transmural inflammation, a key feature of CD, cannot be assessed by conventional colonoscopy with biopsy. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) provides high-resolution, cross-sectional images of the gut wall and might become a new diagnostic tool. The aims of this study were to perform histology-correlated OCT on surgical specimens of CD and UC and to determine its diagnostic accuracy. METHODS: Colectomy specimens from patients with a preoperative diagnosis of CD (N = 24) or UC (N = 24) were studied with OCT in the operating room. OCT and histopathology were assessed blindly, and diagnostic accuracy of OCT was assessed. RESULTS: Eight preoperatively identified UC patients (33%) with transmural inflammation on postoperative histology were diagnosed with CD, and all 8 had a disrupted layered structure on OCT, a characteristic feature of transmural disease. Sixteen UC patients (67%) had superficial inflammation on histology; of them, 13 (81%) had an intact layered structure on OCT. All 24 preoperative CD patients had transmural inflammation on histology, and 23 (96%) had a disrupted layered structure on OCT. Of 585 histology-OCT image sets from the 48 patients, 152 sets (26%) had transmural inflammation on histology. The sensitivity and specificity for OCT to detect transmural disease were 86% and 91%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Transmural inflammation, as characterized by disruption of the layered structure of colon wall on OCT, is an accurate marker for the diagnosis of CD. Ex vivo OCT predicted transmural inflammation on postoperative histopathology.

Adult↗

PubMed2004

In vivo colonoscopic optical coherence tomography for transmural inflammation in inflammatory bowel disease.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Transmural inflammation, a distinguishing feature of Crohn's disease (CD), cannot be assessed by conventional colonoscopy with mucosal biopsy. Our previous ex vivo study of histology-correlated optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging on colectomy specimens of CD and ulcerative colitis (UC) showed that disruption of the layered structure of colon wall on OCT is an accurate marker for transmural inflammation of CD. We performed an in vivo colonoscopic OCT in patients with a clinical diagnosis of CD or UC using the previously established, histology-correlated OCT imaging criterion. METHODS: OCT was performed in 40 patients with CD (309 images) and 30 patients with UC (292 images). Corresponding endoscopic features of mucosal inflammation were documented. Two gastroenterologists blinded to endoscopic and clinical data scored the OCT images independently to assess the feature of disrupted layered structure. RESULTS: Thirty-six CD patients (90.0%) had disrupted layered structure, whereas 5 UC patients (16.7%) had disrupted layered structure (P < .001). Using the clinical diagnosis of CD or UC as the gold standard, the disrupted layered structure on OCT indicative of transmural inflammation had a diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of 90.0% (95% CI: 78.0%, 96.5%) and 83.3% (95% CI: 67.3%, 93.3%) for CD, respectively. The kappa coefficient in the interpretation of OCT images was 0.80 (95% CI: 0.75, 0.86, P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: In vivo colonoscopic OCT is feasible and accurate to detect disrupted layered structure of the colon wall indicative of transmural inflammation, providing a valuable tool to distinguish CD from UC.

Adult↗

PubMed2004

Afferent limb ulcers predict Crohn's disease in patients with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Some patients who undergo ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) surgery for ulcerative colitis (UC) or indeterminate colitis are subsequently diagnosed with Crohn's disease (CD). Making the diagnosis of CD in patients with IPAA can be difficult, but it is important for prognostic and therapeutic purposes. The aim of this study was to identify diagnostic features of CD in patients with IPAA. METHODS: We evaluated 87 patients who had undergone IPAA for inflammatory bowel disease. Patients were classified as having UC (n = 28), CD (n = 27), or indeterminate colitis (n = 32) based on review of the original colectomy pathology and the postoperative clinical course. Each patient underwent a pouch endoscopy with biopsies of the pouch and afferent limb. Both the endoscopist and pathologist were blinded to the patient's diagnosis. RESULTS: Afferent limb ulcers (ALUs) were seen on endoscopy in 12 of 27 patients with CD (45%) and 4 of 28 patients with UC (14%) (P = 0.019). After excluding patients who had taken nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) within the past month, ALUs were found in 7 of 18 patients with CD (39%) and 0 of 17 patients with UC (P = 0.010). Controlling for NSAID use and smoking, the odds ratio for ALUs indicating CD was 4.67 (P = 0.03). In the UC population, ALUs were seen in 4 of 11 patients (36%) who had taken NSAIDs in the past month and 0 of 17 patients who had not taken NSAIDs (P = 0.016). CONCLUSIONS: ALUs seen on endoscopy are suggestive of CD in patients with inflammatory bowel disease who are not taking NSAIDs.

Adult↗

PubMed2004

Clinical outcome and factors predictive of recurrence after enterocutaneous fistula surgery.

OBJECTIVE: Recent experience with surgery for enterocutaneous fistulae (ECF) at a specialist colorectal unit is reviewed to define factors relating to a successful surgical outcome. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: ECF cause significant morbidity and mortality and need experienced surgical management. Previous publications have concentrated on mortality resulting from fistulae, while factors affecting recurrence have not previously been a focus of analysis. METHODS: Records were reviewed of patients who had ECF surgery (1994-2001). Management strategy involved early drainage of sepsis and nutritional support prior to elective ECF repair, with selective defunctioning proximal stoma formation. RESULTS: A total of 205 patients were available (89 males, 43%; median age, 51 years; range, 16-86) years). ECF were related to Crohn's disease in 95, ulcerative colitis in 18, diverticular disease in 17, carcinoma in 25 (16 after radiotherapy), mesh ventral hernia repair in 21, and other causes in 29. Forty-one (20%) had undergone attempted fistula repair at other institutions. Initial management included CT-guided drainage of an intra-abdominal abscess in 23 patients, and total parenteral nutrition in 74 (36%). A total of 203 patients had definitive ECF repair. Forty-four had oversewing or wedge resection of the fistula, and 159 had resection and reanastomosis of the involved small bowel segment or ileocolic anastomosis. Ninety-day operative mortality was 3.5%. A total of 42 (20.5%) patients developed ECF recurrence within 3 months. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that recurrence was more likely after oversewing (36%) than resection (16%, P = 0.006). CONCLUSIONS: A strategy of drainage of acute sepsis, maintenance of nutritional support prior to surgery, and selective use of PS allows for primary closure in 80% of complicated ECF. Resection should be performed when feasible.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2004

Treatment of rectal cuff inflammation (cuffitis) in patients with ulcerative colitis following restorative proctocolectomy and ileal pouch-anal anastomosis.

BACKGROUND: Restorative proctocolectomy with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) is the treatment of choice in the majority of patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) who require surgery. To ease the construction of the IPAA and improve functional outcome by minimizing sphincter related stretch injury, a stapling technique is being commonly used in the pouch-anal anastomosis. Despite its advantages, the procedure normally leaves a 1-2 cm of anal transitional zone or rectal cuff, which is susceptible to recurrence of residual UC or cuffitis. Cuffitis can cause symptoms mimicking pouchitis. AIM: To conduct an open-labeled trial of topical mesalamine in patients with cuffitis. METHODS: We treated 14 consecutive patients with cuffitis by giving mesalamine suppositories 500 mg b.i.d. (mean 3.2 months, range 1-9 months). The Cuffitis Activity Index (adapted from the Pouchitis Disease Activity Index) scores and improvement in symptoms of bloody bowel movements and arthralgias were measured as primary and secondary outcomes. RESULTS: All patients had surgery for medically refractory UC. There were significant reductions in the total Cuffitis Activity Index scores after the therapy (11.93 +/- 3.17 vs 6.21 +/- 3.19, p < 0.001). Symptom (3.24 +/- 1.28 vs 1.79 +/- 1.31), endoscopy (3.14 +/- 1.29 vs 1.00 +/- 1.52), and histology (4.93 +/- 1.77 vs 3.57 +/- 1.39) scores each were significantly reduced (p < 0.05). Ninety-two percent of patients with bloody bowel movements and 70% of patients with arthralgias improved after the therapy. No systemic or topical adverse effects were reported. CONCLUSION: Topical mesalamine appears well tolerated and effective in treating patients with cuffitis, with improvement in symptom as well as endoscopic and histologic inflammation.

Adult↗

PubMed2004

Endoscopic balloon dilation of ileal pouch strictures.

BACKGROUND: Restorative proctocolectomy with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis is the surgical treatment of choice in patients with ulcerative colitis. Strictures can occur at the inlet and outlet of the pouch. Endoscopic balloon dilation has been successfully used in patients with Crohn's strictures at the small intestine and colon. There are no published trials on endoscopic balloon therapy of ileal pouch strictures. AIM: To evaluate outpatient endoscopic balloon dilation of strictures in ileal pouches. METHODS: Patients underwent nonfluoroscopy-guided, nonsedated, outpatient endoscopic dilations with an 8.6-mm upper endoscope and through-the-scope balloons (size: 11-18 mm). Pre- and posttreatment Pouchitis Disease Activity Index symptom scores (range: 0-6), endoscopic stricture scores based on resistance in passing the endoscope (range: 0-4), and Cleveland Global Quality of Life were compared. RESULTS: Nineteen patients with pouch strictures who had concurrent Crohn's disease of the pouch (n = 11), cuffitis (n = 5), and pouchitis (n = 3), including 14 inlet and 14 outlet strictures, were enrolled. The mean number of strictures for each patient was 1.61 +/- 0.78. All strictures were successfully dilated with the through-the-scope balloon, with a mean of 1.74 +/- 1.19 (range: 1-5) sessions for each patient. Nine patients had a second endoscopy at 8 wk and five patients had a third pouch endoscopy at 16 wk after the initial endoscopic dilation. Endoscopic stricture scores immediately (0.30 +/- 0.47), 8 wk (0.40 +/- 0.51), and 16 wk (0.44 +/- 0.76) after the dilation were significantly improved compared to the predilation stricture scores (2.67 +/- 0.78). The symptom scores and quality-of-life (QOL) scores improved at week 8 and 16 following dilation, with a mean follow-up of 6.10 +/- 5.83 months (2-25 months). No complications were experienced with the procedure. One patient with CD who failed endoscopic and medical therapy underwent pouch resection. CONCLUSION: In conjunction with medical therapy, outpatient endoscopic balloon dilation appears safe and effective in treating pouch inlet and outlet strictures, by relieving symptoms, restoring pouch patency, and improving QOL in the majority of patients.

Adult↗

PubMed2003

Liquid antiadhesive product (Adcon-p) prevents post-operative adhesions within the intra-abdominal organs in a rat model.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Postoperative adhesions mostly cleave to small bowel and lead to troublesome problems. This study evaluated the effectiveness of a novel liquid antiadhesive product (Adcon-P) in rats. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Thirty-eight Sprague Dawley rats underwent laparotomy during which the surgeon created abrasions on five different small bowel locations and the cecum in order to generate adhesions. Rats were randomly assigned to receive Adcon-P ( n=19) or to a control group ( n=19). The animals were killed on postoperative day 21. An observer blinded to the randomization assessed the difficulty of adhesiolysis with a six-point scoring system, recorded locations of adhesions and, noted the presence of serosal and full-thickness injuries. The total number of adhesions was also chronicled. RESULTS: The severity of adhesion and adhesion scores were significantly lower in animals receiving Adcon-P. More animals suffered full-thickness and serosal injuries in the control group. The adhesions between small bowel segments and the number of adhesions attached to the small bowel were significantly lower in animals that received Adcon-P. CONCLUSION: Adcon-P leads to an easier adhesiolysis and lessens the risk of bowel injury during relaparotomy. In particular, Adcon-P reduces the probability that adhesions specifically attach to the small bowel.

Animals↗

PubMed2003

Current indications for blow-hole colostomy:ileostomy procedure. A single center experience.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Because of improved medical care and surgical techniques blow-hole colostomy with loop ileostomy is now rarely performed to reduce operative risks in patients with toxic megacolon related to inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). We reviewed patient charts to identify continuing indications for this procedure. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Seventeen patients underwent blow-hole colostomy procedure with ( n=15) or without ( n=2) ileostomy (8 men, 9 women; median age 51 years, range 21-79) during the past 18 years (1983-2001). RESULTS: The indications for the procedure were: toxic megacolon related to IBD ( n=6), toxic megacolon related to IBD and associated with pregnancy ( n=2), Clostridium difficile colitis ( n=3), adult Hirschsprung's disease ( n=1), pancreatitis with obstructing pseudocyst ( n=1), and palliation for malignant bowel obstruction with metastases ( n=4). Patients were discharged home after a median stay of 10 days (range 4-32 days). The 4 patients who underwent a palliative blow-hole procedure had died secondary to their underlying disease by the time of follow-up. Of the remaining 13 patients 12 had their alimentary tract reconstituted, and one still awaits a definitive procedure. CONCLUSION: The blow-hole colostomy-ileostomy procedure is still indicated for select patients with toxic megacolon and large-bowel obstruction. The procedure acts as a bridge to definitive operation for toxic patients with benign disease and palliates those with malignant obstructions and metastasis.

Adult↗

PubMed2003

Dysplasia of the anal transitional zone after ileal pouch-anal anastomosis: results of prospective evaluation after a minimum of ten years.

PURPOSE: Stapling of the ileal pouch-anal anastomosis with preservation of the anal transitional zone remains controversial because of concerns about the potential risk of dysplasia and cancer. The natural history and optimal treatment of anal transitional zone dysplasia ten or more years after surgery are unknown. This study establishes the risk of dysplasia in the anal transitional zone and the outcome of a conservative management policy for anal transitional zone dysplasia, with a minimum of ten years' follow-up after ileal pouch-anal anastomosis. METHODS: A total of 289 patients undergoing anal transitional zone-sparing stapled ileal pouch-anal anastomosis for inflammatory bowel disease between 1986 and 1990 were studied. Patients undergoing anal transitional zone-sparing ileal pouch-anal anastomosis who were studied with serial anal transitional zone biopsies for at least ten years postoperatively were included (n = 178). Median follow-up was 130 (range, 120-157) months. RESULTS: Anal transitional zone dysplasia developed in 8 patients 4 to 123 (median, 9) months after surgery. There was no association with gender, age, preoperative disease duration, or extent of colitis, but the risk of anal transitional zone dysplasia was significantly associated with cancer or dysplasia as a preoperative diagnosis or in the proctocolectomy specimen. Dysplasia was high grade in two patients and low grade in six. Two patients with low-grade dysplasia on two or more occasions after detection of low-grade dysplasia underwent completion mucosectomy and perineal pouch advancement with neo-ileal pouch-anal anastomosis. One patient with high-grade dysplasia on two occasions was to undergo completion mucosectomy, but this was not technically feasible. Partial mucosectomy with vigorous anal transitional zone biopsy was performed with close postoperative surveillance. Biopsies were negative for dysplasia. The second recently diagnosed patient with high-grade dysplasia underwent examination under anesthesia with negative anal transitional zone biopsies and will be kept under close surveillance. No cancer in the anal transitional zone was found during the study period. The 4 other patients with low-grade dysplasia on 1 or 2 occasions were treated expectantly and have been dysplasia free for a median of 119 (range, 103-133) months. CONCLUSIONS: Anal transitional zone dysplasia after stapled ileal pouch-anal anastomosis is infrequent and is usually self-limiting. Anal transitional zone preservation did not lead to the development of cancer in the anal transitional zone with a minimum of ten years of follow-up. Long-term surveillance is recommended to monitor dysplasia. If repeat biopsy confirms persistent dysplasia, mucosectomy with perineal pouch advancement and neo-ileal pouch-anal anastomosis is recommended.

Adult↗

PubMed2003

Turnbull-Blowhole colostomy for toxic ulcerative colitis in pregnancy: report of two cases.

PURPOSE: Surgical intervention for toxic ulcerative colitis in pregnancy is associated with a high morbidity and mortality for both mother and her fetus. A limited surgical procedure may be desirable to reduce the risk of maternal and fetal mortality. We describe the use of "blowhole" colostomy and loop ileostomy (Turnbull procedure) in the management of toxic dilation of the colon complicating ulcerative colitis in pregnancy. METHODS: The medical records of two pregnant females with toxic ulcerative colitis were reviewed. The presentations, management, and outcomes of these patients and their neonates are described. RESULTS: The Turnbull-Blowhole colostomy and ileostomy was used in the acute management of toxic ulcerative colitis in two pregnant females. Both mothers and neonates had successful outcomes with resolution of the acute process. Completion proctocolectomy and ileal pouch-anal anastomosis was later performed in both patients. CONCLUSIONS: The colonic decompression and fecal diversion procedure provided minimal operative trauma to the mother and fetus and resulted in successful outcome in the management of toxic ulcerative colitis in pregnancy. We believe the procedure is safe, effective, and relatively simple, which may reduce the morbidity and mortality of toxic colitis in pregnancy.

Adult↗