scholarly journals Delayed Anastomotic Failure After Chemoradiation: A Delay in Diagnosis or Late Presentation? - A Case Series

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-4
Author(s):  
Nell Maloney Patel ◽  
Michael Thomas Scott ◽  
Shahyan Ur Rehman ◽  
June Hsu ◽  
Nell Maloney Patel

Anastomotic leak after colorectal surgery can result in serious morbidity for certain patients. The rate of clinically significant anastomotic leak after colon resection ranges from 1.8% to 11.9%. Risk factors include male sex, steroids, smoking, perioperative blood transfusion, malnutrition, and a low anastomosis. However, the effect of pre-operative chemoradiation therapy (CRT) on rates of anastomotic leak is controversial. Specifically, late leaks, which are defined as those that occur greater than 30 days after surgery, are sparsely described in current literature. Recent evidence suggests that CRT may contribute to the presentation of late anastomotic leaks. In this case series, we report our experience with three patients who received CRT and developed varying presentations of a late anastomotic leak. Therefore, our experience supports the consideration of late anastomotic leaks as a separate entity in colorectal surgery. While pre-operative CRT may increase risk for postoperative anastomotic leak overall, further exploration into the relationship between preoperative CRT and late anastomotic leaks is warranted.

2021 ◽  
Vol 108 (Supplement_7) ◽  
Author(s):  
Shahin Hajibandeh ◽  
Shahab Hajibandeh ◽  
Christopher Thompson ◽  
Vijay Thumbe ◽  
Andrew Torrance ◽  
...  

Abstract Aims To prospectively evaluate the clinical efficacy of oral antibiotics as an adjunct to intravenous antibiotics and mechanical bowel preparation (MBP) in patients undergoing left sided colorectal surgery. Methods All participants aged 18 years or older and of any gender undergoing an elective open or laparoscopic left sided colorectal resection for benign or malignant colorectal pathologies were considered. The intervention of interest was oral neomycin 1g every 4 hours combined with oral metronidazole 400mg every 8 hours from 24 hours before the proposed surgery. Surgical site infections (SSIs), anastomotic leak, paralytic ileus, need for intervention, and mortality were the evaluated outcome parameters. Results Forty-two consecutive patients received oral antibiotics as an adjunct to intravenous antibiotics and MBP before left sided colorectal surgery. The mean age was 58.8 ± 11.5. There were 23 males (54.8%) and 19 females (45.2%). Use of oral antibiotics was associated with SSI infection rate of 2.4% (1 patient). The rates of clinically significant and non-significant anastomotic leak were 0% and 2.9%, respectively. Moreover, postoperative ileus happened in 11.9% of patients. Furthermore, there was no mortality or need for re-intervention. Conclusions Use of oral antibiotics as an adjunct to intravenous antibiotics and MBP in patients undergoing left-sided colorectal surgery was associated with a surprisingly low rate of SSIs and no significant anastomotic leak. It is time to trust the best available evidence and incorporate the use of oral antibiotics as an adjunct to intravenous antibiotics and MBP in colorectal surgery protocols in the UK hospitals.


2021 ◽  
Vol 108 (Supplement_9) ◽  
Author(s):  
Zeeshan Afzal ◽  
Stavros Gourgiotis ◽  
Richard Hardwick ◽  
Peter Safranek ◽  
Vijayendran Sujendran ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Endoluminal vacuum therapy (EVT) is an emerging treatment strategy for the management of anastomotic leaks following oesophagectomy. However, patients are often critically unwell with mediastinitis and established sepsis by the time the leak is diagnosed. This results in a protracted recovery period regardless of the effectiveness of EVT in treating the leak. Prophylactic EVT to protect the anastomosis following oesophagectomy may reduce the incidence of anastomotic leak, and/or mediastinitis and sepsis if the anastomosis does fail. We report the outcomes of two patients considered high risk for anastomotic leak who were managed with prophylactic EVT following esophagectomy for cancer. Methods Two patients received prophylactic EVT following oesophagectomy between May and July 2021. The patients were considered high risk for anastomotic leak due to technical concerns with, or complications during, the operation. In both cases the oesophagogastric anastomosis (OGA) was fashioned with a circular stapler. The endoluminal vacuum device (EVD) was constructed using an 18F nasogastric tube and a piece of open cell foam, and placed intraluminally across the anastomosis under endoscopic guidance at the time of surgery. Continuous negative pressure (125mmHg) was applied. Information relating to treatment and outcome was recorded prospectively. Results Patient-1, a 72-year-old female, ASA 2, underwent minimally invasive oesophgectomy for an adenocarcinoma at the gastro-oesophageal junction. After creating the stapled OGA, inspection revealed the proximal (oesophageal) tissue doughnut was complete but attenuated. Patient 2, a 67-year-old male, ASA 3, underwent a hybrid Ivor Lewis oesophgectomy for a lower 1/3 oesophageal adenocarcinoma. Surgery was complicated by significant intra-abdominal bleeding requiring blood transfusion and pressor support. In both cases, endoscopic assessment of the anastomosis following removal of the prophylactic EVD was performed day seven post-operatively. The anastomoses were healthy with no evidence of a leak, dehiscence, or early stricture formation. Conclusions In this limited case series, prophylactic EVT of the OGA following oesophagectomy was delivered safely with no complications related to insertion of the EVD or delivery of EVT. This intervention should be considered in cases where the risk of anastomotic leak is high. An intraluminal EVD situated across the OGA may minimise the extent of extraluminal contamination, and the systemic consequences of sepsis associated with this, should an anastomotic breakdown occur. Further studies are required to determine the safety of prophylactic EVT following oesophagectomy, and whether this improves surgical outcomes by reducing the incidence and impact of anastomotic leaks.


2021 ◽  
Vol 34 (06) ◽  
pp. 366-370
Author(s):  
Joanne Favuzza

AbstractAnastomotic leaks are a major source of morbidity after colorectal surgery. There is a myriad of risk factors that may contribute to anastomotic leaks. These risk factors can be categorized as modifiable, nonmodifiable, and intraoperative factors. Identification of these risk factors allows for preoperative optimization that may minimize the risk of anastomotic leak. Knowledge of such high-risk features may also affect intraoperative decision-making regarding the creation of an anastomosis, consideration for proximal diversion, or placement of a drain. A thorough understanding of the interplay between risk factors, indications for proximal diversion, and utility of drain placement is imperative for colorectal surgeons.


2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-3 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anthony Nagib ◽  
Chauniqua Kiffin ◽  
Eddy H. Carrillo ◽  
Andrew A. Rosenthal ◽  
Rachele J. Solomon ◽  
...  

One of the most feared complications in colorectal surgery is an anastomotic leak (AL) following a colorectal resection. While various recommendations have been proposed to prevent this potentially fatal complication, anastomotic leaks still occur. We present a case of an AL resulting in a complicated and fatal outcome. This case demonstrates the importance of high clinical suspicion, early recognition, and immediate management.


2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 65-68
Author(s):  
Syed Sajid Hussain Shah ◽  
Yousaf Aziz Khan ◽  
Bibi Aalia

Malrotation of the gut can present at any age but the majority of patients present in neonatal period or early infancy. Most children present with a history of recurrent colicky abdominal pain, vomiting which can be bilious and failure to thrive. Delay in diagnosis leads to increase in mortality and morbidity. Here we present a series of three patients, one girl aged 6 years, one 10 months old boy and one 10 years old boy, who got admitted at our Pediatric Department in a one month period. Patients had a history of recurrent abdominal pain and occasional vomiting, seen and managed by multiple paediatricians and GP doctors with extensive diagnostic workup but never the accurate diagnosis was made. Thorough history was taken and examination done, planned work up done for diagnosis. High index of suspicion is needed in children presenting with recurrent pain in the abdomen. Targeted work-up should be done and patients be kept on follow-up for diagnosis of late presentation of congenital malrotation of the gut.


2020 ◽  
Vol 54 (4) ◽  
pp. 367-374
Author(s):  
Matthew T. Chrencik ◽  
Brian Caraballo ◽  
John Yokemick ◽  
Peter J. Pappas ◽  
Brajesh K. Lal ◽  
...  

Objectives: Infrapopliteal arterial pseudoaneurysms (IAP) following blunt trauma with associated orthopedic injuries are uncommon, often present in a delayed fashion, and encompass a diagnostic and therapeutic dilemma. Herein, we present a series of IAPs that were diagnosed following blunt trauma and their management. Methods: Case series consisting of 3 patients and a review of the international literature. Results: Our case series included 3 patients presenting with IAPs following blunt trauma with associated orthopedic injuries. They were all identified in a delayed manner (>3 weeks) after the orthopedic injuries were treated. All patients presented with pain and a pulsatile mass while one concurrently had neurologic deficits. The pseudoaneurysms were diagnosed by duplex ultrasound and confirmed by angiography to be originating from the tibioperoneal trunk, anterior tibial, and posterior tibial arteries respectively. Two patients were treated with surgical excision. Of these, one required an arterial bypass procedure while the other underwent direct ligation only. The third patient was treated by endovascular coiling. A literature review from 1950 to the present found 51 reported cases of IAP resulting from blunt trauma. Ninety percent of trauma-related infrapopliteal injuries occurred in men with a mean delay in diagnosis of 5.6 months (median 1.8 months) after injury. Since 1950, management has shifted from primarily ligation to incorporating minimally invasive endovascular techniques when appropriate. Conclusions: Infrapopliteal artery pseudoaneurysms are rare following blunt skeletal trauma. A delay in diagnosis often occurs and can result in major morbidity and extensive surgical intervention. We recommend a high index of suspicion and a thorough vascular examination in patients with lower extremity skeletal trauma to help identify and treat these injuries early and effectively.


BJS Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jacob Rapier ◽  
Steven Hornby ◽  
Jacob Rapier

Abstract Introduction The NUn score was created to try and predict the risk of anastomotic leak or major complications (using the Clavien- Dindo classification) from upper GI resections with an oesophageal anastomosis. A score of > 10 was used to predict an increased risk. In this study we attempt validation. Methods A database of 101 patients was studied, who underwent an Oesophagectomy for cancer between March 2017 and 2020. 72 patients had complete Post-operative day 4 bloods, needed to calculate the score. These patients were then studied for post-operative complications. Results A total of 12 patients had a NUn score of > 10 (16.67%). There was 1 death (1.37%) and 11 anastomotic leaks (15.28%). Of these the NUn score did not predict the death and predicted 8 of the 11 anastomotic leaks. From our data Conclusion From our analysis the NUNs score cannot be shown to be sensitive, specific or have useful positive predictive value. The average Nun score was not reliable, with confidence intervals crossing 10. There may be some merit in using the test for its negative predictive value, but further analysis into this is needed. The results of this audit are consistent with previous efforts at external validation.


Author(s):  
T. Zahouani ◽  
W.R. Carter ◽  
R.H. Jessel ◽  
D.E. El-Metwally ◽  
H.M. Crowley

Primary segmental intestinal volvulus is a rare condition that may affect neonates. This condition occurs when a loop of bowel torses around the axis of its mesentery without any other abnormality or malrotation. In the earlier stages, the diagnosis can be challenging due to the lack of specific clinical and radiographic signs. Prompt surgical management is critical as a delay in diagnosis may result in bowel loss or death. We present a series of three cases of extremely low birth weight infants with primary segmental volvulus. A sentinel bowel loop was critical in guiding each patient’s surgical management as there were no other clinical markers concerning a pending intra-abdominal catastrophe. This case series suggests that a sentinel bowel loop may be a radiographic marker for primary segmental intestinal volvulus in extremely low birth weight infants.


2014 ◽  
Vol 21 (6) ◽  
pp. 339-345 ◽  
Author(s):  
N Othman ◽  
Ck Chan ◽  
Fl Lau

Objective To (1) describe the epidemiology of household rodenticides poisoning in Hong Kong, (2) evaluate the proportion of patients who have develop coagulopathy after rodenticide poisoning, (3) identify the risk factors for developing coagulopathy in rodenticide poisoning. Design Case series study. Setting Sixteen accident and emergency departments in Hong Kong. Patients Patients with household rodenticide ingestion who presented to accident and emergency departments during the period from July 2008 to February 2012. Results 110 patients were reported to have rodenticide exposure during the study period. Eighty-seven patients were included in the final analysis. The mean age was 40.1 and the male-to-female ratio was 1.29:1 (49:38). Most patients (91%) took the rodenticide intentionally. Sixty-nine patients (79%) exposed to anticoagulants type of rodenticide based on history or laboratory findings. The ingredient of the rodenticide ingested in 18 patients (21%) was untraceable. The only clinically significant presentation reported after rodenticide exposure was coagulopathy. Thirty-one patients (36%) developed coagulopathy with an international normalised ratio greater or equal to 1.3. Clinical significant bleeding was only observed in one patient. Presence of coagulopathy in rodenticide poisoning was significantly associated with older patient, intentional ingestion, ingestion of warfarin, ingestion of more than one pack and presence of co-ingestion. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that only two factors were independent predictor of coagulopathy: Ingestion of warfarin rodenticide (p=0.001, odds ratio [OR] = 18.20, 95% confidence interval [CI]=3.44-96.42), and ingestion of more than one pack of rodenticide (p=0.02, OR=10.01, 95% CI=1.43-69.87). Conclusions Clinically significant household rodenticide poisoning in Hong Kong is solely related to ingestion of anticoagulant type of rodenticide. Patients who have ingested warfarin rodenticide and higher ingestion dose are more likely in developing coagulopathy. (Hong Kong j.emerg.med. 2014;21:339-345)


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