Mathis, Kellie L.

BACKGROUND: Surgical management of Crohn’s disease of the colon and rectum frequently requires total proctocolectomy with end ileostomy. There are limited data on the need for Crohn’s disease–directed therapy and the prevalence of recurrence after surgery. OBJECTIVE: To determine the risk of small-bowel Crohn’s disease recurrence and evaluate risk factors for postoperative recurrence after total proctocolectomy with end ileostomy. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. SETTINGS: Multistate tertiary health care system. PATIENTS: Adult patients with Crohn’s disease undergoing total proctocolectomy with end ileostomy between 2014 and 2023. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcome was small-bowel Crohn’s disease recurrence. RESULTS: A total of 193 patients with a median age of 45 years (interquartile range, 34–61) were included. More than half of the patients (n = 102; 52.9%) had a history of small-bowel Crohn’s disease, and the majority (n = 134; 69.4%) received biologic therapy before surgery. The median follow-up time was 4.8 years (interquartile range, 2.0–7.6). Postoperatively, 30.6% of patients (n = 59) received biologic therapy. Thirty-five patients (18.1%) had small-bowel Crohn’s disease recurrence for an estimated 5-year recurrence-free rate of 80.2% (95% CI, 73.0–85.7). Seven patients (3.6%) developed small-bowel Crohn’s disease recurrence requiring surgery for an estimated 5-year surgical recurrence-free rate of 94.7% (95% CI, 89.0–97.5). On multivariable analysis, history of small-bowel Crohn’s disease (HR 2.17; 95% CI‚ 1.04–4.54) and diagnosis at age younger than 18 years (HR 2.31; 95% CI‚1.1–4.86) were associated with small-bowel Crohn’s disease recurrence. LIMITATIONS: Retrospective design and nonstandardized follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Patients undergoing total proctocolectomy with end ileostomy for Crohn’s disease have approximately a 20% risk of small-bowel recurrence at 5 years but a low risk of requiring surgical intervention. Patients with a history of small-bowel Crohn’s disease and younger age at diagnosis have a higher risk of recurrence and may warrant consideration of more frequent surveillance and medical prophylaxis. See Video Abstract . FACTORES DE RIESGO DE RECURRENCIA DE LA ENFERMEDAD DE CROHN DEL INTESTINO DELGADO DESPUÉS DE UNA PROCTOCOLECTOMÍA TOTAL ANTECEDENTES: El tratamiento quirúrgico de la enfermedad de Crohn del colon y el recto frecuentemente requiere proctocolectomía total con ileostomía terminal. Existe información limitada sobre la necesidad de terapia dirigida a la enfermedad de Crohn y la prevalencia de recurrencia tras la cirugía. OBJETIVO: Determinar el riesgo de recurrencia de la enfermedad de Crohn del intestino delgado y evaluar los factores de riesgo de recurrencia posoperatoria tras proctocolectomía total con ileostomía terminal. DISEÑO: Estudio de cohorte retrospectivo. ÁMBITO: Sistema de atención médica terciaria multiestatal. PACIENTES: Pacientes adultos con enfermedad de Crohn sometidos a proctocolectomía total con ileostomía terminal entre 2014 y 2023. PRINCIPALES MEDIDAS DE RESULTADO: El resultado primario fue la recurrencia de la enfermedad de Crohn del intestino delgado. RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron un total de 193 pacientes con una mediana de edad de 45 años (RIC, 34-61). Más de la mitad de los pacientes (n = 102, 52,9 %) tenían antecedentes de enfermedad de Crohn del intestino delgado y la mayoría (n = 134, 69,4 %) recibieron terapia biológica antes de la cirugía. El tiempo medio de seguimiento fue de 4,8 años (RIC, 2,0-7,6). Después de la cirugía, el 30,6 % de los pacientes (n = 59) recibieron terapia biológica. Treinta y cinco pacientes (18,1 %) tuvieron recurrencia de la enfermedad de Crohn del intestino delgado para una tasa estimada libre de recurrencia a 5 años del 80,2 % (IC del 95 %, 73,0-85,7). Siete pacientes (3,6 %) desarrollaron recurrencia de la enfermedad de Crohn del intestino delgado que requirió cirugía para una tasa estimada libre de recurrencia quirúrgica a 5 años del 94,7 % (IC del 95 %, 89,0-97,5). En el análisis multivariable, los antecedentes de enfermedad de Crohn del intestino delgado (HR 2,17; IC del 95%: 1,04-4,54) y el diagnóstico antes de los 18 años (HR 2,31; IC del 95%: 1,1-4,86) se asociaron con la recurrencia de la enfermedad de Crohn del intestino delgado. LIMITACIONES: Diseño retrospectivo y seguimiento no estandarizado. CONCLUSIONES: Los pacientes sometidos a proctocolectomía total con ileostomía terminal por enfermedad de Crohn tienen aproximadamente un 20% de riesgo de recurrencia en el intestino delgado a los 5 años, pero un bajo riesgo de requerir intervención quirúrgica. Los pacientes con antecedentes de enfermedad de Crohn del intestino delgado y menor edad al diagnóstico tienen un mayor riesgo de recurrencia y podrían requerir una vigilancia más frecuente y profilaxis médica. (AI-generated translation )

Objective: To develop a predictive model for pathological complete response (pCR) after total neoadjuvant therapy (TNT) to inform selection for watch-and-wait (W/W). Summary Background Data: Patient selection for W/W after TNT for locally advanced rectal cancer remains challenging. Methods: An ensemble of tabular foundation models was fine-tuned in adults with clinical stage II or III microsatellite stable primary rectal adenocarcinoma undergoing TNT and total mesorectal excision (TNT+TME) from 2018-2023 to predict pCR, using pre-TNT, post-TNT and pre-TME variables. This model was externally validated on patients having TNT and W/W (TNT+W/W) to predict persistent clinical complete response (pcCR; the absence of local regrowth, distant metastases, or persistent near-cCR). Area under the receiver operator curve (AUROC), area under the precision-recall curve (AUPRC), and Brier score were calculated with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Results: Among 308 patients that underwent TNT+TME (median age 56; 40% female), the model predicted pCR with an AUROC 0.71 (95% CI 0.65-0.77), AUPRC 0.44 (95% CI 0.35-0.57), and was well calibrated with a Brier score of 0.17 (95% CI 0.15-0.20). At external validation in a cohort of 83 patients that are being managed with TNT+W/W (median age 57; 37% female), the model predicted pcCR with an AUROC 0.69 (95% CI 0.57-0.82), AUPRC 0.90 (95% CI 0.82-0.96), and Brier score of 0.30 (95% CI 0.26-0.33), improving to 0.17 with recalibration. Conclusions: This novel predictive model demonstrated good discrimination and calibration for pCR after TNT+TME with utility in TNT+W/W for pcCR after appropriate recalibration, supporting its application for W/W patient selection.

BACKGROUND: Stoma-free survival represents a key quality-of-life outcome after surgery for locally advanced rectal cancer. Despite advances in neoadjuvant and surgical management, up to 30% of patients ultimately require a permanent fecal diversion. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate stoma-free survival and identify factors associated with permanent stoma formation in patients with locally advanced rectal cancer undergoing coloanal anastomosis. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. SETTINGS: Single tertiary referral center (2017–2021). PATIENTS: A total of 126 patients with clinical stage II and III rectal adenocarcinoma who received neoadjuvant therapy and underwent curative-intent resection with coloanal anastomosis were included. INTERVENTION: Curative-intent resection with coloanal anastomosis. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcome was stoma-free survival. Secondary analyses examined factors associated with permanent fecal diversion. RESULTS: The medical records of 126 patients were analyzed, comprising 62.5% men, with a mean age of 54 ± 10 years and a median BMI of 27.7 (interquartile range 24.5–31.4). At a median follow-up of 53.0 months, the 5-year stoma-free survival rate was 88.9%. Univariate Cox regression analysis showed that BMI ≥35 (HR 3.80; 95% CI, 1.04–13.91, p = 0.044) and handsewn coloanal anastomosis with mucosectomy compared to stapled coloanal anastomosis without mucosectomy (HR 5.58; 95% CI, 1.71–18.14, p = 0.004), as well as local recurrence (HR 6.51; 95% CI, 1.44–29.46), were associated with worse stoma-free survival. The 30-day major morbidity rate was 7.9% after the index surgery. Sixteen patients required permanent fecal diversion due to bowel dysfunction (n = 11), disease recurrence (n = 4), or bowel obstruction (n = 1). LIMITATIONS: Retrospective, single-institution design with limited generalizability. CONCLUSIONS: Coloanal anastomosis in the era of total neoadjuvant therapy resulted in favorable 5-year stoma-free survival. BMI ≥35, handsewn coloanal anastomosis with mucosectomy, and local recurrence were associated with worse stoma-free survival. See Video Abstract . SUPERVIVENCIA SIN ESTOMA TRAS UNA RESECCIÓN ANTERIOR BAJA CON ANASTOMOSIS COLOANAL PARA EL CÁNCER RECTAL EN ESTADIO II-III ANTECEDENTES: La supervivencia sin estoma representa un resultado clave para la calidad de vida tras la cirugía de cáncer rectal localmente avanzado. A pesar de los avances en el tratamiento neoadyuvante y quirúrgico, hasta un 30 % de los pacientes requieren finalmente una derivación fecal permanente. OBJETIVO: Evaluar la supervivencia sin estoma e identificar los factores asociados con la formación de un estoma permanente en pacientes con cáncer rectal localmente avanzado sometidos a anastomosis coloanal. DISEÑO: Estudio de cohorte retrospectivo. ENTORNO: Centro terciario de referencia único, 2017-2021. PACIENTES: Se incluyó a un total de 126 pacientes con adenocarcinoma rectal en estadio clínico II-III que recibieron terapia neoadyuvante y se sometieron a una resección con intención curativa con anastomosis coloanal. INTERVENCIÓN: Resección con intención curativa con anastomosis coloanal. PRINCIPALES MEDIDAS DE RESULTADO: El resultado principal fue la supervivencia sin estoma. Los análisis secundarios examinaron los factores asociados con la derivación fecal permanente. RESULTADOS: Se analizaron 126 pacientes, de los cuales el 62,5 % eran hombres, con una edad media de 54 ± 10 años y un índice de masa corporal medio de 27,7 kg/m 2 (rango intercuartílico: 24,5-31,4 kg/m 2 ). Con una mediana de seguimiento de 53,0 meses, la tasa de supervivencia sin estoma a 5 años fue del 88,9 %. El análisis de regresión de Cox univariante mostró que el índice de masa corporal ≥ 35 kg/m 2 (razón de riesgo = 3,80, intervalo de confianza del 95 %: 1,04-13,91, p = 0,044) y la anastomosis coloanal cosida a mano con mucosectomía, en comparación con la anastomosis coloanal grapada sin mucosectomía (razón de riesgo = 5,58, intervalo de confianza del 95 %: 1,71-18,14, p = 0,004), así como la recurrencia local (razón de riesgo = 6,51, intervalo de confianza del 95 %: 1,44-29,46) se asociaron con una peor supervivencia sin estoma. La tasa de morbilidad grave a los 30 días fue del 7,9 % tras la cirugía índice. Dieciséis pacientes requirieron una derivación fecal permanente debido a disfunción intestinal (n = 11), recurrencia de la enfermedad (n = 4) u obstrucción intestinal (n = 1). LIMITACIONES: Diseño retrospectivo, de una sola institución, con una generalización limitada. CONCLUSIONES: La anastomosis coloanal en la era de la terapia neoadyuvante total dio lugar a una supervivencia sin estoma favorable a los 5 años. El índice de masa corporal ≥ 35 kg/m2, la anastomosis coloanal cosida a mano con mucosectomía y la recurrencia local se asociaron con una peor supervivencia sin estoma. (AI-generated translation )

Background Bowel obstruction in the setting of peritoneal metastases is a complex clinical situation. Evidence for operative intervention in this setting remains unclear. This study aimed to compare outcomes between patients with bowel obstruction and peritoneal metastases who underwent operative intervention vs those who underwent conservative management. Methods This was a retrospective single center study of all patients that were consulted on by the Division of Colon and Rectal Surgery in the 6-year period between January 1st 2019 and December 31st 2024 for the management of bowel obstruction in the setting of peritoneal metastases. The study compared patients who underwent operative intervention vs those who underwent conservative management. The primary outcome measures were ability to tolerate solid food at discharge, median obstruction free survival, and median overall survival. Results A total of 100 patients were diagnosed with bowel obstruction in the setting of peritoneal carcinomatosis. 47 patients underwent operative intervention and 53 underwent non-operative management. Those who underwent operative intervention were more likely to tolerate solid food at discharge (78.72% vs 47.17%, P < 0.01) and had a longer median obstruction free survival (593 days vs 147 days, P = 0.01). No difference was identified in overall survival (133 days vs 99 days, P = 0.49). Conclusions Bowel obstruction in the setting of peritoneal metastases is a complex situation that requires a personalized and pragmatic approach for each patient. Selecting those who may benefit from operative intervention can be challenging, however, there are subsets of patients for whom surgical management may be offered with acceptable outcomes.

Abstract Background Patients with Crohn disease (CD) face an elevated risk of developing small bowel adenocarcinoma (SBA), a malignancy characterized by late-stage diagnosis and poor prognosis. In this study we aimed to characterize surgical management and oncologic outcomes for CD-associated SBA. Methods A retrospective review was conducted across 3 tertiary IBD centers, analyzing 99 patients with CD who underwent surgery for SBA between 1992 and 2025. Data included patient demographics, CD history, surgical details, and oncologic outcomes. Results The median time from CD diagnosis to SBA was 25 years. The SBA diagnosis was incidental in 74.8% of cases, discovered during surgery for other complications. Tumors were predominantly located in the ileum (80.8%) and showed aggressive features: 56.6% were poorly differentiated (grade 3), and 85.9% were pathologically advanced (T3/T4 on TNM staging). Nodal involvement was present in 45.5% of patients, and 18.2% had distant metastases at diagnosis. A complete (R0) resection was achieved in 90.9% of surgeries, with a 30-day morbidity rate of 26.3%. After a median follow-up of 36 months, the distant recurrence rate was 28.3%, and overall mortality was 27.3% (18.2% cancer related). Conclusion In patients with long-standing CD, SBA is typically an incidental diagnosis made at an advanced stage. While high rates of complete surgical resection are possible, the prognosis remains guarded due to aggressive tumor biology and high recurrence rates. These findings highlight a critical need for improved risk stratification to guide surveillance and for the development of evidence-based adjuvant treatment strategies.

Abstract Feedback is the transfer of information about an action back to the performing individual in order that the individual can adjust the performance on subsequent actions, allowing for informed learning. In his landmark article, Ende explained that feedback exposes the gap between the actual and intended outcomes. By increasing the learner's awareness of his/her weaknesses and strengths, feedback supports the development of strategies for performance improvement. The focus of this article is on formative feedback in the context of surgical education and practice. As trainees progress through a competency-based curriculum, they observe, participate, and gradually gain independence. The importance of prompt and specific feedback cannot be overstated as it helps trainees track progress, adapt performance and behaviors, and ultimately achieve required competencies. This discussion will explore established feedback models, barriers to giving and receiving feedback, and the unique considerations of feedback to trainees and surgeons.

Abstract The “triple threat” surgeon—one who excels as a clinician, researcher, and educator—has long represented the ultimate achievement in academic medicine. This model has guided generations of surgeons aspiring to excellence. The importance of leadership skills has also been recognized, leading to the modern concept of the “quadruple threat.” Over the last decades, many challenges have threatened the existence of this model, including increasing competition for limited funding, declining reimbursement, and increasing administrative burdens. While some view the “triple threat” unachievable or unsustainable in the current environment, others use this as an opportunity to adapt the model to contemporary practice. This review examines the historical origins of the triple threat surgeon, the current challenges to this model and the steps necessary to ensure its success.

Background: Crohn’s disease (CD) is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that is prevalent worldwide. It can affect any segment of the gastrointestinal tract, from the mouth to the anus. When CD affects the anus, perianal fistulizing disease develops. The management of perianal CD is challenging and may require morbid surgery when there is no response to medical therapy. The emergence of novel biologic therapies, namely tumor necrosis alpha (TNF-α) inhibitors, has proven to provide long-term relief and prevent disease-related complications. Perianal CD is, however, refractory or recurrent in up to 80% of patients. One of the reported options to manage perianal CD is hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT), which aims at increasing tissue oxygen saturation in an attempt to promote repair and reverse local inflammation. Data on this approach is scant. Methods: A retrospective review was performed to identify patients with CD at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester who underwent HBOT for perianal disease between 2014 and 2023. Demographic and clinical data were reviewed, including the history of the disease, concomitant medical and surgical therapy and the need for fecal diversion. The HBOT regimen, including the number of sessions and clinical response, were reviewed. Results: Six patients aged from 19 to 60 years underwent HBOT for perianal CD. Two patients had a history of total proctocolectomy with ileal-anal pouch anastomosis (IPAA). All patients except one were on immunosuppressive medication including biologic agents. Four patients had fecal diversion with an ileostomy or colostomy. Patients received between 10 and 40 sessions of HBOT. Four patients reported symptomatic improvement. On physical examination and/or imaging assessment, improvement was noted in one patient. Progression of the perianal disease was noted in all other patients, with all except one requiring an operation in the following year. Conclusions: HBOT may provide symptomatic relief in some patients with refractory perianal CD, but data on its long-term efficacy remains limited.

Objectives: For locally advanced rectal adenocarcinoma (R-ACA), a nonoperative management (NOM) approach has emerged as a guideline-supported treatment option. However, the variables associated with NOM receipt are unknown. Methods: Utilizing the National Cancer Database, we performed a retrospective cohort study of adults with stage 1 to 3 R-ACA managed with curative intent from 2004 to 2018. The primary outcome was the proportion of patients receiving NOM versus surgery. The secondary outcome was survival among NOM patients. Results: A total of 128,297 patients were included. In all, 115,888 (90.3%) received surgery and 12,409 (9.7%) received NOM. Receipt of NOM was associated with age above 70, Charlson-Deyo score of 0, race (Black, Asian or Pacific Islander, or other vs. White), insurance status, geographical region, treatment in a community facility, year of diagnosis (2012-2018 vs. 2004-2011), tumor grade 1 versus ≥ 2, clinical T-stage ≥ 2, and clinical N1 or N2 versus N0. In the NOM cohort, poorer overall survival was associated with age 70 and above, male sex, Charlson-Deyo score ≥ 1, insurance status, geographical region, rural urban density versus metro/urban, treatment in a community facility, year of diagnosis (2004-2011 vs. 2012-2018), clinical T4 versus T1, clinical N1 or N2 versus N0, grade 3 versus 1, treatment with a radiotherapy dose <45 Gy versus 45 to 54 Gy, and omission of chemotherapy. Conclusions: Several demographic factors and social determinants of health were associated with receipt of NOM and overall survival. With the increasing utilization of NOM, it will be important to understand the drivers of treatment decisions and influences on access to the desired treatment approach.

BACKGROUND: Hemorrhoidal disease and immunosuppression are prevalent. Management of hemorrhoidal disease in this patient population is challenging. Most societies recommend conservative management due to the presumed risks of morbid complications, including sepsis and impaired healing. Data on the risks of office-based and operative procedures in immunocompromised patients are scant. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate postoperative outcomes after both office-based procedures and operative intervention for hemorrhoidal disease in immunocompromised patients. DESIGN: Retrospective medical record review. SETTINGS: Single-center, tertiary referral center. PATIENTS: Adult patients were included who had hemorrhoidal disease and primarily medication-induced immunosuppression and were undergoing an office-based procedure or operative intervention for hemorrhoidal disease while on immunosuppression at Mayo Clinic in Rochester between 2010 and 2023. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcome was the development of infectious complications or wound complications. RESULTS: Fifty-five immunocompromised patients, with a median age of 60 years, underwent a total of 68 hemorrhoidal procedures during the study time frame. All patients had immunosuppression induced by medication, except for 1 patient with bone marrow failure syndrome. The most common reason for immunosuppression was rheumatoid arthritis, followed by prior kidney transplant. The most common medications were chronic corticosteroids and methotrexate in more than one-third of patients each. Of 68 total interventions, hemorrhoidectomy (32%) and excision of a thrombosed hemorrhoid (26%) were the 2 most common operations performed. Sixteen adverse events were reported in 14 patients (25%). Three cases of postoperative cellulitis were documented after thrombosed external hemorrhoid excision, hemorrhoidopexy, and Whitehead hemorrhoidectomy. No postoperative intravenous antibiotics were administered. No cases of pelvic sepsis were documented. LIMITATIONS: The retrospective nature of the study and the heterogeneity of the study population. CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that office-based and surgical procedures are safe and feasible in patients with immunosuppression. See Video Abstract . SEGURIDAD DE LOS PROCEDIMIENTOS PARA EL TRATAMIENTO DE HEMORROIDES EN PACIENTES INMUNODEPRIMIDOS: LA EXPERIENCIA DE LA CLÍNICA MAYO ANTECEDENTES: La enfermedad hemorroidal y la inmunosupresión son prevalentes. El tratamiento de la enfermedad hemorroidal en esta población de pacientes es difícil. La mayoría de las sociedades recomiendan un tratamiento conservador debido a los riesgos presuntos de complicaciones mórbidas, como sepsis y alteración de la cicatrización. Los datos sobre los riesgos de los procedimientos ambulatorios y quirúrgicos en pacientes inmunodeprimidos son escasos. OBJETIVO: Evaluar los resultados posoperatorios tras procedimientos ambulatorios y cirugía para la enfermedad hemorroidal en pacientes inmunodeprimidos. DISEÑO: Revisión retrospectiva de historias clínicas. ENTORNO: Centro terciario de referencia único. PACIENTES: Pacientes adultos con enfermedad hemorroidal e inmunosupresión inducida principalmente por medicamentos que se sometieron a un procedimiento ambulatorio o a una intervención quirúrgica para la enfermedad hemorroidal mientras estaban en tratamiento inmunosupresor en la Clínica Mayo de Rochester entre 2010 y 2023. PPRINCIPALES MEDIDAS DE RESULTADO: El resultado principal fue la aparición de complicaciones infecciosas o complicaciones de la herida. RESULTADOS: Cincuenta y cinco pacientes inmunodeprimidos, con una mediana de edad de 60 años, se sometieron a un total de 68 procedimientos hemorroidales durante el periodo de estudio. Todos los pacientes presentaban inmunosupresión inducida por medicación, excepto uno con síndrome de insuficiencia medular. La causa más frecuente de inmunosupresión fue la artritis reumatoide, seguida de un trasplante renal previo. Los medicamentos más frecuentes fueron los corticosteroides crónicos y el metotrexato, en más de un tercio de los pacientes. De las 68 intervenciones totales, la hemorroidectomía (32 %) y la extirpación de una hemorroide trombosada (26 %) fueron las dos operaciones más comunes realizadas. Se notificaron 16 eventos adversos en 14 (25 %) pacientes. Se documentaron tres casos de celulitis posoperatoria tras la extirpación de una hemorroide externa trombosada, una hemorroidopexia y una hemorroidectomía de Whitehead. No se administraron antibióticos intravenosos postoperatorios. No se documentaron casos de sepsis pélvica. LIMITACIONES: El carácter retrospectivo del estudio y la heterogeneidad de la población estudiada. CONCLUSIONES: Estos datos sugieren que los procedimientos ambulatorios y quirúrgicos son seguros y viables en pacientes con inmunosupresión. (AI-generated translation )