Risk factors and outcomes associated with postoperative ileus following ileostomy formation: a retrospective study

Background Postoperative ileus (POI) is associated with increased patient discomfort, length of stay (LOS), and healthcare cost. There is a paucity of literature examining POI in patients who have an ileostomy formed at the time of surgery. We aimed to identify risk factors for and outcomes associated with POI following ileostomy formation. Methods We included 261 consecutive non-emergent cases that included formation of an ileostomy by a board-certified colorectal surgeon at our institution from July 1, 2015, to June 30, 2020. Demographic, clinical, and intraoperative factors associated with increased odds of POI were evaluated. Post-procedure LOS, hospitalization cost, and re-admissions between patients with and without POI were compared. Results Out of 261 cases, 85 (32.6%) were associated with POI. Patients with POI had significantly higher body mass index (BMI) than those without POI (26.6 kg/m2 vs. 24.8kg/m2; p = 0.01). Intraoperatively, patients with POI had significantly longer procedure duration than those without POI (313 min vs. 279 min; p = 0.02). Patients with POI had a significantly higher net fluid balance at postoperative day (POD) 2 than those without POI (+ 2.65 L vs. + 1.80 L; p = 0.004), with POD2 fluid balance greater than + 807 mL (determined as the maximum Youden index for sensitivity over 80%) associated with a higher rate of POI (p = 0.006). This difference remained significant when adjusted for age, gender, BMI, pre-operative opioid use, procedure duration, and operative approach (p = 0.01). Patients with POI had significantly longer LOS (11.40 days vs. 5.12 days; p < 0.001) and direct cost of hospitalization ($38K vs. $22K; p < 0.001). Conclusions Minimizing fluid overload, particularly in the first 48 h after surgery, may be a strategy to reduce POI in patients undergoing ileostomy formation, and thus decrease postoperative LOS and hospitalization cost. Fluid restriction, diuresis, and changes in diet advancement or early stoma intubation should be considered measures that may improve outcomes and should be studied more intensively.

Perianal Actinomycosis: A Surgeon’s Perspective and Review of Literature

Actinomycosis is a serious suppurative, bacterial infection caused by the gram-positive anaerobic Actinomyces species. Primary perianal actinomycosis is rare and challenging for the colorectal surgeon. We aimed to present our experience and compare this with available literature. All patients with isolated Actinomyces on microbiology reports, between January 2013 and February 2021, were identified and reviewed. Data collection was retrospective based on electronic patient records. The site of infection and treatment strategy were examined. Perianal cases were evaluated in depth. All publications available in the literature were interrogated. Fifty-nine cases of positive actinomycosis cultures were reviewed. Six cases of colonization were excluded. Actinomyces turicensis was the most common organism isolated. Five cases of perianal actinomycosis were identified requiring prolonged antibiotic and surgical therapy. Twenty-one studies, most case reports, published since 1951 were also reviewed. Diagnosis of perianal actinomycosis may be challenging but should be suspected particularly in recurrent cases. Prolonged bacterial cultures in anaerobic conditions are necessary to identify the bacterium. An extended course of antibiotic therapy (months) is required for eradication in certain cases.

TP7.2.14 Long Term Outcome of Patients with Minimally Symptomatic Diverticular Stricture

Aims Minimally symptomatic diverticular stricture poses diagnostic and management dilemma for the Colorectal Surgeon. Long term outcome, risk of missing a cancer and complications are not well documented in the literature. This study aims at assessment of outcomes of patients with minimally symptomatic diverticular stricture who were treated conservatively. Methods Retrospective chart review of all patients with confirmed diverticular stricture on endoscopy and imaging scans who had minimal or mild symptoms over a 6-year period from January,2014 to June,2020 in a large tertiary referral hospital. Search methods included diverticular disease with stricture using ICD10 code K57 and K56.6. Outcome measures included complications while on conservative treatment including missed cancer, any subsequent surgery and complications including stomas. Results 29 patients fitted the inclusion criteria, 18 females with median age 75(43-92). Median follow up was 32.5 months (8-93). All had endoscopic and CT imaging confirmation of diverticular stricture. Repeat investigations were recorded as 16 endoscopies in 9 patients and 30 CT scans in 14 patients during follow up. Four patients had at least one episode of diverticulitis; only one underwent emergency surgery at 5 years from diagnosis. 2/29 (6.9%) patients presented with diverticular perforation requiring Hartmann’s procedure. One patient (3%) had elective sigmoid resection with average duration of follow up 29 months (11.5-59) months. There were no missed diagnosis of cancer and no mortality due to diverticular disease. Conclusions In this patient population, diverticular stricture runs a relatively benign course with few complications or surgical intervention during follow up.

EP.FRI.704 Emergency colorectal surgery outcomes within a non-specialist split site service – a retrospective cohort study

Aims Within this region, Upper GI and Colorectal subspecialties are located at separate hospitals. This study aims to determine outcomes of critically unwell patients undergoing emergency colorectal surgery off-site at the non-colorectal specialist centre. Methods An observational retrospective study of emergency colorectal laparotomies at a major acute teaching hospital (non-colorectal specialist centre) between January 2016 and August 2020 was performed. The primary outcome was 30-day mortality. Secondary outcomes included rate of primary anastomosis, complications and overall mortality. The NELA predicted mortality risk was obtained from notes or retrospectively calculated. Subgroup analysis of colorectal surgeon involvement was performed. Results One hundred and eighteen patients were included (median age 64 years, 55% female). The median NELA mortality score was 5.8% (IQR 1.9 – 14.7%). The 30-day mortality rate was 22% (26/118). The rate of primary anastomosis was 31%. Patients having an anastomosis had a lower median NELA score compared those patients who did not (1.6% vs. 7.85%). Forty five (38%) patients had Clavien-Dindo grade IV-V complication. Colorectal Surgeon involvement in the operation (23/118), was associated with a lower 30-day mortality (17.4% colorectal surgeon vs. 23.2% emergency general surgeon alone) albeit in patients with a lower median NELA score (4.5% vs. 6.7%) and a similar rate of primary anastomosis was achieved (31.6% vs. 30.9%). Conclusions The high mortality rate highlights a specific group of acutely unwell patients unfit for transfer to the subspecialist unit. Good outcomes were seen where a colorectal surgeon was involved, however a similar rate of primary anastomosis was demonstrated.

EP.TU.911Analysis of the outcomes following reversal of loop ileostomy

Aims A defunctioning loop ileostomy is constructed to reduce the incidence and the consequences of anastomotic leaks following sphincter-sparing colorectal resection. Its construction and reversal may be associated with complications. The aim of this study is to present a snapshot of the outcome of reversal of loop ileostomy in a teaching general hospital. Methods All patients whose loop ileostomy was reversed in 2018 were studied. Sociodemographic and clinical data were collected. The outcomes measured were length of hospital stay, return of bowel function, morbidity and mortality. Results Nine patients had reversal of ileostomy by experienced colorectal surgeons during this period. The patients, 5 males and 4 females, had a median age of 58 years (range 20 to 77 years). The main indications for construction of a loop ileostomy were low anterior resection for rectal neoplasia (7 patients) and iatrogenic rectal perforation during hysterectomy (1 patient), and total colectomy with ileoanal pouch reservoir for ulcerative colitis (1 patient). The ileostomies were reversed between 5 to 10 months following the main operations. The postoperative stay was between 2 to 12 days. The complications included one anastomotic leak, requiring immediate re-operation, 3 wound infections and 2 incisional hernias. There were no postoperative deaths. Conclusion In this study our overall complication rate was well within the range reported in the literature, with only one patient requiring immediate re-operation. The presence of a senior colorectal surgeon at operation as well as careful attention to detail is key to keeping complications to a minimum.

Sphincter Preserving Techniques in Anal Fistula Treatment

Complex anal fistulas present a challenge to even a seasoned colorectal surgeon due to high rate of recurrence and a real possibility of fecal incontinence if treated with conventional methods (e.g., fistulotomy, fistulectomy, seton placement). Although the illness is benign in nature, it can significantly decrease patient’s quality of life because of symptoms like pain and soiling. Given those facts, minimally invasive or sphincter preserving methods of treatment were introduced. Some of these include: Video-assisted anal fistula treatment (VAAFT), ligation of intersphincteric fistula tract (LIFT), Fistula-tract laser closure (FILAC), rectal advancement flap (RAF), treatment with platelet cells and combinations of techniques. This chapter would be an overview of these novel techniques with reference to latest clinical trials and meta-analyses.

28 Colorectal Cancer Resections During COVID-19: To Do or Not to Do?

Introduction Ascertaining the practice of colorectal cancer (CRC) resections during the COVID-19 pandemic in England and Wales. Method A list of all colorectal multi-disciplinary teams (MDTs) was obtained from the National Bowel Cancer Audit (NBOCA) database. A survey was designed using Google Forms and emailed to at least one consultant colorectal surgeon of each MDT. One response per MDT was used in the analysis. All responses were anonymous. Study duration was from 15th April 2020 to 30th June 2020. Results Sixty-eight of the 150 MDTs enlisted on the NBOCA database in England and Wales responded. 86.6% were performing CRC resections and 86% were screening patients pre-operatively for COVID-19. 84.9% were using full Personal Protective Equipment (PPE - FFP3 and eye protection) in all cases whereas 12.3% were using PPE only in suspected cases. 44.4% had resorted to open resections due to risk of laparoscopy being an aerosol generating procedure. 13.7% attributed post-operative complications to COVID-19 and 4 centres reported death due to COVID-19 related complications. 40% of MDTs used short course radiotherapy in rectal cancer patients where resections were postponed either by patient or by the team. 55% responded to feeling uncomfortable/very uncomfortable to cancel cancer resections while 31.7% were equivocal and others comfortable not to operate during the pandemic. Conclusions This survey demonstrates a snapshot of practice during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. The majority of the centres continued to perform CRC resections safely where possible. There has been obvious disruption to services and change to normal practice.