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S D Wexner

Publications and source records attributed to S D Wexner.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Effects of colonoscopy on intracranial pressure: observation in a large animal model.

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: Increased intra-abdominal pressure has been associated with increased intracranial pressure. Bowel insufflation during colonoscopy may increase the intra-abdominal pressure. It was hypothesized that colonoscopy may be associated with intracranial pressure elevation subsequent to an elevation in intra-abdominal pressure. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Colonoscopy was carried out in seven anesthetized pigs, and the colonoscope was advanced up to 60 cm from the anal verge. Insufflation was used to allow safe advancement of the colonoscope and to allow visualization of the colon, in the same way as in the procedure performed in humans. Intra-abdominal pressure was measured by determining the hydrostatic pressure in the urinary bladder. A subarachnoid screw was used to monitor intracranial pressure. The mean arterial blood pressure and intra-abdominal venous pressure were directly monitored via the femoral vessel access; all parameters were recorded before and during colonoscopy. RESULTS: A statistically significant elevation in intracranial pressure was demonstrated during colonoscopy. The average increase in intracranial pressure was 3.1 mm Hg. The intra-abdominal pressure and intra-abdominal venous pressure were also significantly elevated during the procedure. CONCLUSIONS: Colonoscopy may increase intracranial pressure due to an increase in intra-abdominal pressure. This may have clinical implications when colonoscopy is conducted in patients with brain pathology associated with high intracranial pressure.

Anesthesia, General↗

The effect of diverticular disease on the colonic J pouch.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the impact of the diverticular disease (DD) on function and on postoperative complications of the colonic J-pouch (CJP) with pouch-anal anastomosis. METHODS: Patients who underwent a CJP between December 1990 and August 2001, were retrospectively reviewed. The presence of DD in the CJP was assessed on pouchogram prior to ileostomy closure. A questionnaire designed to evaluate the degree of continence (total incontinence score (IS): 0 = worst, 20 = best) and pouch evacuation (total evacuation score (ES): 0 = worst, 28 = best) was used for comparison between patients with DD and those without DD (NDD). RESULTS: Sixty-six patients (47 males; 19 females) with a median age of 68 years (range 28-87 years) were included. The median follow-up period was 22 months (range 2-106 months). Twenty-four patients comprised the DD group and 42 were in the NDD group. The two groups were comparable for age, gender and time from ileostomy closure; all patients with postoperative chemoradiation therapy were in the NDD group. The total ES and IS total did not significantly differ between the two groups with a P-value of 0.11 and 0.09 respectively. Furthermore, there was no significant difference in the total incidence of pouch complications between the two groups (3 strictures, 1 leak, 1 fistula in the NDD group vs. 1 pelvic sepsis in the DD group; P = 0.4). CONCLUSIONS: The presence of DD in a CJP does not seem to impact pouch function or the postoperative complication rate.

Aged↗

High compliance rates observed for follow up colonoscopy post polypectomy are achievable outside of clinical trials: efficacy of polypectomy is not reduced by low compliance for follow up.

INTRODUCTION: The National Polyp Study demonstrated that removal of adenomas with at least a three-year follow up reduced the incidence of colorectal cancer. However, compliance with follow up colonoscopy may affect the estimates of reduction in colorectal cancer incidence demonstrated by the National Polyp Study. While an 80% compliance rate for follow up colonoscopy was achieved during the National Polyp Study, the compliance rate for follow up colonoscopy is unknown in the general population. The aim of this study was to determine the compliance rate for follow up colonoscopy and factors which affect follow up. METHODS: A retrospective medical record review to identify patients who had adenomatous polyps excised in 1997 was undertaken. Patients who had inflammatory bowel disease, a prior history of colorectal cancer, familial adenomatous polyposis syndrome, colonic surgery; incomplete polypectomy or incomplete colonoscopy, and those patients who died before planned follow up, were excluded from analysis. Follow up was performed by telephone survey. RESULTS: Three hundred and thirty-three patients were identified (196 males; 147 females) with a mean age of 70 years. Three hundred and thirty-one (99%) of 333 had a documented recommendation for follow up of three years or less. Thirty-four percent (113 of 333) had previously undergone colonoscopy; 29% (98 of 333) had previously undergone polypectomy and 54% (180 of 333) were symptomatic at the time of the colonoscopy. Twenty-eight percent (40 of 141) had a family history of colorectal cancer. Pathology at polypectomy included a single polyp and polyps less than 10 mm in 68% and 88% of cases, respectively. Follow up was available in 211 of these cases, 179 (85%) of which had been compliant with follow up colonoscopy. In a univariate analysis, previous colonoscopy (P = 0.035), previous polyps (P = 0.043), asymptomatic status at time of colonoscopy (P = 0.021), polyp size (P = 0.008) and number of polyps (P = 0.010) were significantly associated with patients who were compliant with follow up colonoscopy. A multivariate logistics regression analysis revealed number of polyps (P = 0.036) and polyp size (P = 0.045) to be statistically significantly associated with compliance. CONCLUSION: Compliance with follow up colonoscopy after polypectomy is greater than 80%, regardless of age, education, family history, prior colonoscopy, or prior polypectomy. Risk reduction published in the National Polyp Study may likely reflect what can be achieved through the general use of colonoscopy for surveillance.

Adenomatous Polyps↗

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↗

Topical tacrolimus (FK506) in the treatment of recalcitrant parastomal pyoderma gangrenosum associated with Crohn's disease: report of two cases.

INTRODUCTION: Pyoderma gangrenosum is a rare idiopathic skin disorder associated with other diseases, including inflammatory bowel disease. The commonest site is the skin, but sometimes it can occur in the parastomal region. Most of these cases respond to treatment with systemic corticosteroids and cyclosporin or local Kenalog injections. METHODS: The following are two cases of parastomal pyoderma in patients not responding to the standard measures. These patients were treated with topical tacrolimus. RESULTS: These patients showed dramatic improvement in one week with complete resolution and re-epithelialization of skin within two weeks. CONCLUSION: Pyoderma gangrenosum is a difficult problem to manage and its early resolution is important. In these two reported cases, the improvement was dramatic, therefore topical tacrolimus should be considered early in the management.

Administration, Topical↗

Recurrence rates at minimum five-year follow-up: laparoscopic versus open sigmoid resection for uncomplicated diverticulitis.

The aim of the study was to compare the impact of surgical access to sigmoid resection on recurrence rates in patients with uncomplicated diverticulitis of the sigmoid (UDS) at a minimum follow-up of five years. Recurrence after surgery was defined as left lower quadrant pain, fever and leucocytosis with consistent CT and enema findings on admission and at 6 weeks, respectively. Outcome measures included splenic flexure mobilization, specimen length, inflammation at proximal resection margin and presence of teniae coli at distal resection margin. Seventy-nine patients undergoing laparoscopic sigmoid resection (LSR) were compared with 79 matched controls with open sigmoid resection (OSR) operated on at two institutions during the same period. Patients were well matched for age, gender, body mass index, ASA grading and symptoms duration, but not for follow-up length (81.9 vs. 86.9 months, p = 0.046). The rate of splenic flexure mobilization (19 vs. 41, p 0.001), specimen length (16.1 vs. 18.3 cm, p = 0.048), presence of inflammation at proximal resection margin (21 vs. 4, p 0.001), and presence of teniae coli at distal resection margin (4 vs. 53, p 0.001). Three LSR patients and 7 OSR patients had one recurrence (p = 0.19). There were no significant differences in rates of flexure mobilization, specimen length, and rates of inflammation present at proximal resection margin in 10 recurring and 145 non-recurring patients. The rate of teniae coli present at distal resection margin was significantly increased in recurring patients (7 vs. 43, p = 0.03). Surgical access to sigmoid resection for UDS is unlikely to have an impact on recurrence rates provided that the oral bowel end is anastomosed to the proximal rectum rather than to the distal sigmoid.

Colon, Sigmoid↗

[Laparoscopic treatment for Crohn's disease].

AIM: Several studies have demonstrated the feasibility and safety of laparoscopic surgery for Crohn's disease. A trend towards less morbidity as compared to laparotomy has been suggested. However, problems noted early in the experience may have prevented the optimal benefit from having been conferred. Accordingly, the aim of this study was to evaluate perioperatively those patients. METHODS: All 51 patients with Crohn's disease who underwent an intestinal resection at Cleveland Clinic Florida between January 1997 and December 1998 were analyzed. RESULTS: Seventeen patients underwent laparoscopic treatment: there were no significant differences between the 2 groups as to age, gender, incidences of comorbidity, prior laparotomy, or the use of anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive agents. Similarly, there were no significant differences between the 2 groups as to either surgical indication, intraoperative findings, or procedure performed. Moreover, there were no significant differences concerning total anesthetic time or surgical operative time, the incidence of intraoperative morbidity or need for enterolysis or stoma construction, use of intraoperative endoscopy, or need for transfusion. Significant differences were noted in the duration of patient controlled analgesic usage (3.1 days in the laparoscopic group vs 3.9 days, respectively; p = 0.03), the incidence of postoperative morbidity (7/17 patients in the laparoscopic group vs 27/34 patients: p = 0.01), and length of hospital stay (6.4 days in the laparoscopic group vs 9.6 days, respectively; p = 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In this retrospective cohort comparative study, laparoscopic intestinal resection for Crohn's disease, when compared to laparotomy, was associated with a short duration of patient controlled analgesic usage, a lower incidence of postoperative morbidity and a shorter hospital stay, without significantly increased operative time.

Adult↗

A prospective analysis of 3525 esophagogastroduodenoscopies performed by surgeons.

BACKGROUND: This study was undertaken to evaluate the safety and efficacy of surgeons performing esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) and to use these results to assess existing credentialing guidelines for surgeons. METHODS: A prospective outcomes study was designed to accept input from members of SAGES. End points were the time taken and rate of success in reaching the duodenum, the frequency of arriving at a diagnosis, and complications of EGD as related to operator experience. RESULTS: Information from a total of 3,525 EGDs was prospectively entered into a database between December 2001 and December 2002. Common indications were abdominal pain/nausea/vomiting (34.8%), gastroesophageal reflux disease (24.9%) and dysphagia (17.4%). The findings were inflammation in 1,895 (53.8%), hiatus hernia in 1,010 (28.7%), nonbleeding ulcer in 462 (13.1%), bleeding ulcer in 59 (1.7%), stricture in 344 (9.8%), and polyp/tumor in 206 (5.8%). Biopsies were obtained in 2080 (59.0%). Concomittant procedures performed were dilation in 253 (7.2%), removal of a foreign body (FB) or removal/insertion of a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tube (PEG) in 190 (5.4%), and polypectomy in 59 (1.7%). The EGD was completed to the duodenum in 3282 patients (93.1%) with a mean procedure time of 9.2 min (range 1-60 min). Examination of the duodenum was not attempted in 231 patients for reasons such as previous gastric surgery ( n = 119), obstruction ( n = 58) or because the EGD was done for FB/PEG removal or PEG placement ( n = 36). Attempted EGD could not be completed in 12 patients (0.3%). The most common complication was hypoxia ( n = 57, 1.6%), which was treated with supplemental oxygen and observation. New bleeding occurred in eight patients and the procedure failed to control bleeding in three others. No complications occurred in 3447 patients (97.8%). Completion rates and major complications were not correlated to experience, but there was a significant association between experience and the time required for completion of the procedure ( p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that surgeons can perform EGD with a high degree of success and low morbidity. On the basis of this large prospective study, no minimum number of cases could be proposed for credentialing surgeons to safely perform either diagnostic or therapeutic esophagogastroduodenoscopy.

Adult↗

Long-term outcome and health-related quality of life after laparoscopic and open colectomy for benign disease.

BACKGROUND: The benefits of laparoscopic colectomy (LC) vs open colectomy (OC) for the treatment of benign disease have not yet been clearly demonstrated with regard to long-term consequences and health-related quality of life (HRQL). The aim of this study was to compare LC and OC in terms of outcome and HRQL and to determine whether a generic nonspecific instrument for HRQL assessment is valid in postoperative follow-up. METHODS: Forty-nine patients who underwent LC for elective right hemicolectomy (RH) or sigmoid resection (SR) for benign polyps or uncomplicated diverticular disease between 1992 and 2000 were evaluated and compared to 50 controls treated by OC in the same period. All patients were evaluated by postal questionnaire to determine recurrence rates and surgery-related complications. HRQL was assessed by the SF-36 Physical and Mental Component Summary Score (PCS, MCS) and by the SF-36 Health Survey, which measures eight different health-quality domains, including physical and social functioning (PF, SF), general health perception (GH), physical and emotional role limitations (RP, RE), body pain (BP), vitality (VT), and mental health (MH). RESULTS: The LC and OC patients were similar in age, gender, body mass index (BMI), American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification, and diagnosis. There were significant differences between the two groups in resection type (26 RH:23 SR in LC vs 16 RH:34 SR in OC, p = 0.03) and length of follow-up (median, 39 and 53.5 months, respectively, p = 0.04), but neither parameter was predictive of the main SF-36 scores (PCS and MCS). There were no differences between the groups in recurrence rates (8% in LC vs 11% in OC) or surgery-related complications, including incisional hernias (16.3% in LC vs 17% in OC) and small bowel obstructions (2% in LC vs 10.4% in OC). None of the eight SF-36 Health Survey domains or the PCS or MCS scores showed significant differences between LC and OC patients in HRQL. However, occurrence of hernia after surgery was predictive of lower SF-36 scores, specifically in PF (p = 0.047), GH (p = 0.045), SF (p = 0.047), MH (p = 0.041), and MCS (p = 0.037). In addition, small bowel obstruction was significantly associated with lower scores in BP (p = 0.008), GH (p = 0.008), SF (p = 0.013), RE (p = 0.026), MH (p = 0.003), and MCS (p = 0.003). CONCLUSION: LC was not different from OC for selected indications that measure long-term outcome and HRQL. SF-36 appears to be an appropriate instrument to measure postoperative HRQL, showing responsiveness to changes in objective outcome measures.

Adenomatous Polyps↗

Meta-analysis to determine the incidence of obstetric anal sphincter damage.

BACKGROUND: The reported incidence of anal sphincter injury after first (11.5-35.0 per cent) and subsequent (3.4-12.1 per cent) vaginal deliveries varies widely. In addition, the reported incidence of associated faecal incontinence ranges from zero to 68.2 per cent. The aim of this study was to perform a meta-analysis of reported incidences of postpartum anal sphincter defect diagnosed by endoanal ultrasonography (EAUS) and associated incidences of faecal incontinence. METHODS: A Medline search yielded five studies with more than 100 subjects who underwent EAUS after childbirth for evaluation of anal sphincter disruption and who were questioned about symptoms of faecal incontinence, defined as any impairment in flatus and stool control but not including urgency of defaecation. A Bayesian meta-analysis was performed to produce one inference while accounting for potential heterogeneity among the five study populations. RESULTS: Meta-analysis of 717 vaginal deliveries revealed a 26.9 per cent incidence of anal sphincter defect in primiparous women and an 8.5 per cent incidence of new sphincter defects in multiparous women. Overall, 29.7 per cent of anal sphincter defects were symptomatic. Some 3.4 per cent of women experienced postpartum faecal incontinence without an anal sphincter defect. In a Bayesian calculation, the probability of postpartum faecal incontinence due to a sphincter defect was 76.8-82.8 per cent. CONCLUSION: : The incidence of occult anal sphincter disruption following vaginal delivery is much higher than commonly estimated. However, at least two-thirds of occult defects are asymptomatic postpartum. The probability of faecal incontinence associated with an anal sphincter defect was 76.8-82.8 per cent.

Anal Canal↗

Electromyographic findings of paradoxical puborectalis contraction correlate poorly with cinedefecography.

BACKGROUND: Both intra-anal sponge electromyography (SEMG) and needle electromyography (NEMG) are used to diagnose paradoxical puborectalis contraction (PPC). The aim of this retrospective study was to assess the correlation among SEMG and NEMG and cinedefecography (CD) in the diagnosis of PPC. METHODS: Between 1992 and 1999, a total of 261 constipated patients underwent both CD and EMG: 64 had NEMG while 197 had SEMG. PPC was diagnosed by EMG when there was failure to achieve a significant decrease in electrical activity of the puborectalis muscle during attempted evacuation. CD criteria for PPC included lack of straightening of the anorectal angle or persistence of the puborectalis impression during evacuation. CD was considered diagnostic and EMG results were thus compared with those of CD. Agreement was calculated using the kappa statistics (kappa) for concordance. RESULTS: Both NEMG and SEMG had low positive predictive rates (33% in NEMG, 28% in SEMG) and high negative predictive rates (91% in NEMG, and 78% in SEMG) when correlated with CD findings. Agreement between NEMG and CD was noted in 46 of 64 patients (72%, kappa=0.274) while there was agreement between SEMG and CD in 120 of 197 patients (61%; kappa=0.067); p>0.05 needle vs. sponge. CONCLUSION: Although both NEMG and SEMG have a low positive predictive values, they have high negative predictive value for PPC. Therefore, neither NEMG nor SEMG alone are optimal tests for diagnosing the presence of PPC.

Adult↗

Accuracy of hydrogen peroxide enhanced endoanal ultrasonography in assessment of the internal opening of an anal fistula complex.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of hydrogen peroxide-enhanced ultrasound in localizing the internal opening of the anal fistula. METHODS: A retrospective review of all patients with anal fistula who underwent hydrogen peroxide-enhanced ultrasound was performed. The results of hydrogen peroxideenhanced ultrasound and intraoperative findings on the basis of operative reports were correlated. RESULTS: A total of 57 patients (47 men) of mean age of 45.7 (range, 21-77) years underwent hydrogen peroxide-enhanced ultrasound with a diagnosis of anal fistula; 36 patients underwent surgery. The intraoperative internal opening correlated with the hydrogen peroxide-enhanced ultrasound report in 22 of 36 patients (61.1%). In 5 patients, the hydrogen peroxide-enhanced ultrasound yielded false-positive information with a positive predictive value of 84%. Four of the 7 patients with falsenegative hydrogen peroxide-enhanced ultrasound findings had supra- and extrasphincteric fistulas. CONCLUSIONS: There is a 61.1% correlation between hydrogen peroxide-enhanced ultrasound and surgical findings of the internal opening with a positive predictive value of 84%. If no internal opening was seen on hydrogen peroxide-enhanced ultrasound, it strongly suggests the possibility of a supralevator or extrasphincteric fistula.

Adult↗

Electrolyte profiles within the ileoanal pouch: measurement by an in vivo equilibrium dialysis technique.

BACKGROUND: Patients with an ileoanal pouch have high rates of fluid and electrolyte loss. These improve with pouch adaptation. There is limited information concerning secretion and absorption in the stable ileoanal pouch. A new method to measure and characterize electrolytes in the ileoanal pouch is described. METHODS: Following an in vitro study, nine patients with a stable ileoanal pouch had consecutive placement of dialysis bags consisting of a semi-permeable membrane containing 5 ml of 10% dextran in normal saline into the ileoanal pouch. These were left in place for 15, 30, 60, and 120 min. After determining that 60 min was the optimal timing for measurement of electrolyte concentrations, 12 normal volunteers underwent a similar in vivo dialysis study with dialysis bags withdrawn at 60 min. Sodium, chloride, potassium, phosphorus, calcium and magnesium concentrations in the dialysis bags were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: In the in vitro and in vivo studies, the measured electrolytes reached equilibrium within 60 min. Statistically significant differences between sodium concentrations (160.9 +/- 30.2 vs. 116.8 +/- 13.8 mmol/l, respectively) and phosphorus concentrations (6.8 +/- 5.2 vs. 1.8 +/- 0.7 mg/dl, respectively) at 60 min in ileoanal pouch patients and volunteers were found (p<0.001). There were no statistical differences in the other measured electrolytes between the two groups. CONCLUSION: An in vivo dialysis technique is described for measuring electrolyte concentrations within the ileoanal pouch. Differences in sodium and phosphate concentrations may reflect incomplete adaptation of the ileoanal pouch, and are a potential explanation for increased stool frequency in these patients.

Adult↗

Double stapled ileal pouch anal anastomosis (DS-IPAA) for mucosal ulcerative colitis (MUC): is there a correlation between the tissue type in the circular stapler donuts and in follow-up biopsy?

PURPOSE: This study aims to assess the correlation between the tissue types found in the circular stapler donut at the time of initial double-stapled ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (DS-IPAA) and during subsequent periodic routine random biopsy. Secondarily, we sought to assess the risk of dysplasia, carcinoma or mucosal ulcerative colitis (MUC) recurrence in the retained mucosa. METHODS: The pathology reports of 91 patients (48 males, 43 females) who were operated upon for MUC from September 1988 to June 1997 and were reviewed and had two follow up visits for biopsy. The histological features of the distal donuts and biopsies of retained mucosa obtained at yearly interval follow-up were assessed in order to determine the epithelial tissue type (columnar, transitional and squamous), inflammation, recurrence of MUC and presence of dysplasia or malignancy. RESULTS: Median age at surgery was 43 (range 15-71) years and duration of MUC was 9.6 (range 0.3-42) years prior to surgery. The anastomosis was performed at a median height of 1.0 (range 0-2.5) cm cephalad to the dentate line and biopsy follow-up was undertaken at median 34 (range 2-110) months after DS-IPAA. The distal donuts were analysed in all cases, as were 305 follow-up biopsies (median 3.4; range 1-7 per patient). Although columnar epithelium (CE) was found in 62 (68%) donuts, it was absent on follow-up biopsy in 16 (26%) of these patients. Conversely, although no CE was identified in 29 (32%) donuts, it was identified in 11 (38%) of these patients during follow-up biopsy. CE in the donut was a significant predictor of CE in subsequent biopsies (P = 0.0012). The histological features consistent with MUC were seen in the biopsies from the retained mucosa in 15 (16%) patients from 0.3 to 7.6 years after DS-IPAA. While eight (9%) patients exhibited dysplasia or adenocarcinoma in the excised colon or rectum, none of the patients had either dysplastic changes or carcinoma within the retained mucosal biopsies. CONCLUSION: The correlation between CE in the circular stapler donut and at follow-up biopsy was high. However since CE developed in some patients in whom no CE was present in the distal donuts, regardless of the epithelial tissue type finding at the time of DS-IPAA, periodic follow-up biopsy should be obtained.

Adolescent↗

Laparoscopic treatment of colonic polyps. A review.

Laparoscopy is now utilized to surgically treat a wide variety of intra-abdominal disorders and an increasing number of colorectal procedures can be performed with these techniques. Laparoscopic surgery for colorectal disorders has gained increased popularity among many general and colorectal surgeons. The advantages of laparoscopic and laparoscopic assisted segmental resection for endoscopically irretrievable colonic polyps seems evident. Potential advantages include increased pain, decreased length of ileus, hospitalization, and ultimately cost, improved cosmesis, and in the longer term, potentially decreased adhesions and bowel obstructions due to adhesions. These goals can be achieved while still performing an oncologically appropriate operation. However, it is unclear as to whether invasive malignant polyps can be adequately treated using laparoscopic techniques. As the current generation of surgical trainees employ laparoscopic techniques for a variety of intraabdominal conditions, this method may become favored for managing endoscopically irretrievable polyps. In this article, we will discuss techniques and review the published data for the laparoscopic excision of colonic polyps.

Adenoma↗

[Laparoscopic surgery for endoscopically irretrievable colonic polyps].

AIM: The vast majority of benign colorectal neoplasms can be safely removed by colonoscopic polypectomy; while peduncolated polyps can be easily endoscopically excised, the removal of sessile polyps may be more difficult. METHODS: Between January 1997 and December 1998, 12 patients underwent laparoscopic or laparoscopic-assisted colonic resection for treatment of endoscopically irretrievable colonic polyps; this group was compared to 12 patients who underwent a laparotomic approach for polyps in the same period of time and to 23 patients who previously underwent similar laparoscopic resections. RESULTS: There were no significant differences between laparoscopic and laparotomic groups. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic or laparoscopic-assisted colonic resection for treatment of endoscopically irretrievable colonic polyps remains our preferred method of treating these lesions.

Aged↗

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↗