Calini, G

Abstract Background Encountering an intra-abdominal abscess during elective surgery for Crohn disease (CD) presents a clinical dilemma. While guidelines often recommend temporary fecal diversion, stomas carry substantial morbidity. Existing literature is heavily confounded by selection bias, obscuring the true safety of bowel reconstruction. This study evaluated the safety of primary anastomosis in the presence of an intraoperative abscess. Methods A retrospective review of patients undergoing ileocecal resection for CD was conducted. To isolate the impact of the abscess and eliminate selection bias, an a priori multivariable logistic regression model and a 1:2 propensity score matched (PSM) analysis were utilized on the subcohort of patients who underwent primary anastomosis. The primary endpoint was the rate of 30-day postoperative complications. Results Among the 810 included patients (210 with an intraoperative abscess, 600 without), an abscess significantly increased operative complexity, resulting in higher rates of open conversion (29.3% vs 10.3%, P < .001) and fecal diversion (24.8% vs 6.2%, P < .001). However, multivariable analysis demonstrated that an abscess was not an independent predictor of overall 30-day complications (odds ratio [OR], 1.25; P = .190). Furthermore, in the PSM cohort of 474 patients, rates of anastomotic leak (10.1% vs 11.7%, P = .718), overall complications (41.1% vs 38.0%, P = .571), and severe complications (8.2% vs 10.8%, P = .480) were statistically identical between the abscess and non-abscess groups. Conclusion While an intraoperative abscess increases operative difficulty, it does not independently compromise anastomotic integrity. Primary anastomosis in an infected field is safe, allowing surgeons to spare appropriately selected patients at experienced centers the profound morbidity of an unnecessary stoma.

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.

AbstractAimCrohn's disease (CD) is regarded as a wasting disease, yet there is a growing population of CD patients with a body mass index (BMI) of 35 and above. The rate of postoperative complications is relatively high in CD patients but might be even higher in CD with morbid obesity (MO).MethodsThis was a retrospective study using a prospectively maintained database of all patients undergoing Ileocolic resection for CD between 2014 and 2021 in two referral centres, comparing postoperative complication rates according to BMI.ResultsThree hundred and forty‐six patients were identified. Sixty patients (17%) had a BMI over 30 kg/m2, and 28 (8.1%) had a BMI of over 35 kg/m2 (>35 group). The BMI >35 group had more women (78.6% vs. 52%, P < 0.1), a higher rate of patients not receiving an anastomosis (7.1% vs. 2.5%, P = 0.02), a higher rate of any postoperative surgical complication (32.1% vs. 25.2%, P = 0.4), with a higher rate of Clavien–Dindo ≥3 (14.3% vs. 7.2%, P = 0.25), a higher rate of stoma creation on reoperation for complications (7.2% vs. 1.7%, P = 0.04), a higher rate of 30‐day readmission due to intra‐abdominal abscess (10.7% vs. 4.7%, P = 0.2), but a lower rate of postoperative medical complications (3.6% vs. 15.7%, P < 0.01).ConclusionsThe rate of MO among CD patients requiring ileocolonic resection is on the rise. MO in this setting is associated with statistically non‐significant increases in all surgical complications, severe complications, readmission, and a higher chance for a bailout stoma creation upon reoperation. However, MO seems to be a protective factor for medical postoperative complications, which might suggest better nutritional status.

AbstractAimLocally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) is commonly treated with neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT) and total mesorectal excision (TME) to reduce local recurrence (LR) and improve survival. However, LR, particularly associated with lateral lymph node (LLN) involvement, remains a concern. The aim of this study was to investigate preoperative factors associated with LLN involvement and their impact on LR rates in LARC patients undergoing nCRT and curative surgery.MethodThis multicentre retrospective study, including four academic high‐volume institutions, involved 301 consecutive adult LARC patients treated with nCRT and curative surgery between January 2014 and December 2019 who did not undergo lateral lymph node dissection (LLND). Baseline and restaging pelvic MRIs were evaluated for suspicious LLNs based on institutional criteria. Patients were divided into two groups: cLLN+ (positive nodes) and cLLN– (no suspicious nodes). Primary outcome measures were LR and lateral local recurrence (LLR) rates at 3 years.ResultsAmong the cohort, 15.9% had suspicious LLNs on baseline MRI, and 9.3% had abnormal LLNs on restaging MRI. At 3 years, LR and LLR rates were 4.0% and 1.0%, respectively. Ten out of 12 (83.3%) patients with LR showed no suspicious LLNs at the baseline MRI. Abnormal LLNs on MRI were not independent risk factors for LR, distant recurrence or disease‐free survival.ConclusionAbnormal LLNs on baseline and restaging MRI assessment did not impact LR and LLR rates in this cohort of patients with LARC submitted to nCRT and curative TME surgery.

Abstract Purpose: One-third of patients with Crohn’s disease (CD) require multiple surgeries during their lifetime. So, reducing the incisional hernia rate is crucial. We aimed to define incisional hernia rates after minimally invasive ileocolic resection for CD, comparing intracorporeal anastomosis with Pfannenstiel incision (ICA-P) versus extracorporeal anastomosis with midline vertical incision (ECA-M). Methods: This retrospective cohort compares ICA-P versus ECA-M from a prospectively maintained database of consecutive minimally invasive ileocolic resections for CD performed between 2014 and 2021 in a referral center. Results: Of the 249 patients included: 59 were in the ICA-P group, 190 in the ECA-M group. Both groups were similar according to baseline and preoperative characteristics. Overall, 22 (8.8%) patients developed an imaging-proven incisional hernia: seven at the port-site and 15 at the extraction-site. All 15 extraction-site incisional hernias were midline vertical incisions [7.9%; p=0.025], and 8 patients (53%) required surgical repair. Time-to-event analysis showed a 20% rate of extraction-site incisional hernia in the ECA-M group after 48 months (p =0.037). The length of stay was lower in the intracorporeal anastomosis with Pfannenstiel incision group [ICA-P: 3.3±2.5 vs. ECA-M: 4.1±2.4 days; p=0.02] with similar 30-day postoperative complication [11(18.6) vs. 59(31.1); p=0.064] and readmission rates [7(11.9) vs. 18(9.5); p=0.59]. Conclusion: Patients in the ICA-P group did not encounter any incisional hernias while having shorter hospital length of stay and similar 30-day postoperative complications or readmission compared to ECA-M. Therefore, more consideration should be given to performing intracorporeal anastomosis with Pfannenstiel incision during Ileocolic resection in patients with CD to reduce hernia risk.

BACKGROUND: Although the safety of laparoscopic redo ileocolonic resection for Crohn’s disease has been described before, the safety of robotic redo ileocolonic resection is still unelucidated. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to share our preliminary experience regarding the safety of robotic redo ileocolonic resection for Crohn’s disease. DESIGN: Retrospective analysis. SETTING: Tertiary care center. PATIENTS: All consecutive adult patients who underwent robotic ileocolonic resection for Crohn’s disease at our institution between 2014 and 2021 were included. Patients were divided into redo ileocolonic resection and primary ileocolonic resection groups. PRIMARY OUTCOME MEASURES: Baseline demographics, preoperative risk factors, and intraoperative details were compared between both groups. The primary outcome was conversion to an open approach, and secondary outcomes were 30-day postoperative complications. RESULTS: A total of 98 patients were included. Of them, 18 (18.4%) had a redo ileocolonic resection. Patients who had a redo ileocolonic resection were more likely to have a longer duration of disease, associated anoperineal disease, a higher number of previous lines of medical treatments, received total parental nutrition before the operation for correction of malnutrition, and longer time for adhesiolysis. Patients who had redo ileocolonic resection had a higher risk for conversion to open ileocolonic resection [3 (16.7%) versus 2 (2.5%); p value = 0.04]. There was no statistically significant difference regarding the overall length of stay and the 30-day morbidity between both groups. No 30-day mortality or anastomotic leaks occurred in either group. LIMITATIONS: Retrospective nature of the analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Robotic redo ileocolonic resection showed similar short-term postoperative outcomes to robotic primary ileocolonic resection for Crohn’s disease. However, conversion rates are higher in robotic redo ileocolonic resection yet seem lower than previously published results in laparoscopic surgery. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/C77. RESECCIÓN ILEOCÓLICA ROBÓTICA REDO PARA LA ENFERMEDAD DE CROHN: INFORME PRELIMINAR DE UN CENTRO DE ATENCIÓN TERCIARIA ANTECEDENTES: Si bien la seguridad de la resección ileocolónica laparoscópica para la enfermedad de Crohn se ha descrito antes, la seguridad de la resección ileocolónica robótica aún no se ha dilucidado. OBJETIVO: Este estudio tuvo como objetivo compartir nuestra experiencia preliminar con respecto a la seguridad de la resección ileocolónica robótica para la enfermedad de Crohn. DISEÑO: Análisis retrospectivo. AJUSTE: Centro de atención terciaria. PACIENTES: Se incluyeron todos los pacientes adultos consecutivos que se sometieron a resección ileocolónica robótica por enfermedad de Crohn en nuestra institución entre 2014 y 2021. Los pacientes se dividieron en grupos de resección ileocolónica reconfeccionada y resección ileocolónica primaria. MEDIDAS DE RESULTADO: Se compararon los datos demográficos iniciales, los factores de riesgo preoperatorios y los detalles intraoperatorios entre ambos grupos. El resultado primario fue la conversión a abierto y los resultados secundarios fueron las complicaciones posoperatorias a los treinta días. RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron un total de 98 pacientes. De ellos, 18 (18,4%) tuvieron resección ileocolónica. Los pacientes que se sometieron a una nueva resección ileocolónica tenían más probabilidades de tener una mayor duración de la enfermedad, enfermedad anoperineal asociada, un mayor número de líneas previas de tratamientos médicos, más probabilidades de haber recibido nutrición parental total antes de la operación para la corrección de la desnutrición y más tiempo tiempo de adhesiolisis. Los pacientes que se sometieron a una nueva resección ileocolónica tuvieron un mayor riesgo de conversión a cirugía abierta [3 (16,7 %) frente a 2 (2,5 %); valor p 0,04]. No hubo diferencia estadísticamente significativa con respecto a la duración total de la estancia y la morbilidad a los treinta días entre ambos grupos. No hubo mortalidad a los treinta días ni fugas anastomóticas en ninguno de los grupos. LIMITACIONES: Naturaleza retrospectiva del análisis. CONCLUSIÓN: La resección ileocolónica robótica mostró resultados postoperatorios a corto plazo similares a la resección ileocolónica primaria robótica para la enfermedad de Crohn. Sin embargo, las tasas de conversión son más altas en la resección ileocolónica robótica, pero parecen más bajas que los resultados publicados previamente en la cirugía laparoscópica. Consulte Video Resumen en http://links.lww.com/DCR/C77. (Traducción—Dr Yolanda Colorado)

AbstractMagnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is routinely used for preoperative tumor staging and to assess response to therapy in rectal cancer patients. The aim of our study was to evaluate the accuracy of MRI based restaging after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (CRT) in predicting pathologic response. This multicenter cohort study included adult patients with histologically confirmed locally advanced rectal adenocarcinoma treated with neoadjuvant CRT followed by curative intent elective surgery between January 2014 and December 2019 at four academic high‐volume institutions. Magnetic resonance tumor regression grade (mrTRG) and pathologic tumor regression grade (pTRG) were reviewed and compared for all the patients. The agreement between radiologist and pathologist was assessed with the weighted k test. Risk factors for poor agreement were investigated using logistic regression. A total of 309 patients were included. Modest agreement was found between mrTRG and pTRG when regression was classified according to standard five‐tier systems (k = 0.386). When only two categories were considered for each regression system, (pTRG 0‐3 vs pTRG 4; mrTRG 2‐5 vs mrTRG 1) an accuracy of 78% (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.73‐0.83) was found between radiologic and pathologic assessment with a k value of 0.185. The logistic regression model revealed that “T3 greater than 5 mm extent” was the only variable significantly impacting on disagreement (OR 0.33, 95% CI 0.15‐0.68, P = .0034). Modest agreement exists between mrTRG and pTRG. The chances of appropriate assessment of the regression grade after neoadjuvant CRT appear to be higher in case of a T3 tumor with at least 5 mm extension in the mesorectal fat at the pretreatment MRI.

Objective: We aimed to determine a safe zone of intraoperative fluid management associated with the lowest postoperative complication rates without increased acute kidney injury (AKi) risk for elective colorectal surgery patients. Background: To date, standard practice within institutions, let alone national expectations related to fluid administration, are limited. This fact has perpetuated a quality gap. Methods: Elective colorectal surgeries between 2018 and 2020 were included. Unadjusted odds ratios (ORs) for postoperative ileus, prolonged LOS, and AKi were plotted against the rate of intraoperative RL infusion (mL/ kg/h) and total intraoperative volume. Binary logistic regression analysis, including fluid volumes as a confounder, was used to identify risk factors for postoperative complications. Results: A total of 2900 patients were identified. Of them, 503 (17.3%) patients had ileus, 772 (26.6%) patients had prolonged LOS, and 240 (8.3%) patients had AKI. The intraoperative fluid resuscitation rate (mg/kg/h) was less impactful on postoperative ileus, LOS, and AKI than the total amount of intraoperative fluid. A total fluid administration range between 300 mL and 2.7 L was associated with the lowest complication rate. Total intraoperative RL ≥2.7 L was independently associated with a higher risk of ileus (adjusted OR 1.465; 95% confidence interval 1.154–1.858) and prolonged LOS (adjusted OR 1.300; 95% confidence interval 1.047–1.613), but not AKI. Intraoperative RL ≤300 mL was not associated with an increased risk of AKI. Conclusion: Total intraoperative RL ≥2.7 L was independently associated with postoperative ileus and prolonged LOS in elective colorectal surgery patients. A new potential standard for intraoperative fluids will require anesthesia case planning (complexity and duration) to ensure total fluid volume meets this new opportunity to improve care.

Abstract Background Proctectomy is often recommended when Crohn’s proctitis becomes refractory to medical therapy. However, some surgeons offer a temporary diverting stoma in an effort to avoid a permanent stoma. The long-term efficacy of this approach is not well-established. Our aim was to determine the long-term effectiveness of fecal diversion in patients with refractory Crohn’s proctitis. Methods This retrospective study included all patients with Crohn’s proctitis who underwent formation of a diverting ileostomy or colostomy for refractory disease from, 1998 to, 2019 in Mayo Clinic Rochester MN. Outcomes were disease recurrence, rate of stoma closure, and proctectomy. Univariate comparisons among categorical variables were performed with Pearson’s Chi-square and continuous variables using the student t-test. The cumulative probability of stoma closure was performed with a Kaplan Meier log-rank analysis. Multivariable analysis of risk factors for proctectomy and permanent stoma was achieved with logistic regression. Results Ninety-seven patients (55.7% female) were included. Ileostomy was the most common stoma type (88.7%, n=86), and colostomy was (11.3%, n=11) (Table.1). Median follow-up was, 4 years (range, 0–14). Active Crohn’s at follow-up was reported in, 68.1%. Only, 41.2% of patients underwent attempt at stoma reversal, and, 42.3% required a proctectomy (median, 19.5 months after diversion). At last follow-up, 29.9% were stoma-free, 42.3% had a new permanent stoma, and, 27.8% had the original diverting stoma (Fig.1). The multivariable predictors of proctectomy and permanent stoma were the recurrence of active CD after diversion and the need for other CD-related surgery following stoma creation (Table.2). The limitations of the study are its small sample size and its retrospective nature. The cumulative probability of stoma closure was performed with a Kaplan Meier log-rank analysis (Fig.2). Conclusion Diversion is effective at alleviating symptoms of Crohn’s proctitis in selected patients but does not significantly change disease outcome. Only a small number can avoid a long-term stoma.