Citations

AbstractAimAnismus is a common cause of obstructed defaecation syndrome (ODS). The aim of the present review is to assess the efficacy and safety of puborectalis muscle (PRM) division in the treatment of anismus.MethodPubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and the Cochrane Library were searched for studies that assessed the outcome of PRM division in the treatment of anismus. The main outcome measures were subjective improvement in ODS, decrease in the Wexner constipation score and ODS score, and complications, namely faecal incontinence (FI).ResultsTen studies (204 patients, 63.7% male) were included. The weighted mean rate of initial subjective improvement across randomized trials was 97.6% (95% CI 94%–100%) and across nonrandomized studies it was 63.1 (95% CI 39.3%–87%). The weighted mean rate of 12‐month improvement across randomized trials was 64.9% (95% CI 53.3%–76.4%) and across nonrandomized studies it was 55.9% (95% CI 30.8%–81%). The weighted mean rate of FI across randomized trials was 12.1% (95% CI 4.2%–20%) and across nonrandomized studies it was 10.4% (95% CI 1.6%–19.3%). Male sex and unilateral PRM division were significantly associated with recurrence of symptoms after PRM division. Bilateral PRM division, posterior division, complete division and concomitant sphincterotomy were significantly associated with FI after PRM division.ConclusionsThe use of PRM division for treatment of anismus was followed by some initial improvement in ODS symptoms which decreased to <60% 12 months after PRM division. The mean rate of FI after PRM division, namely 10%–12%, is a limitation of the technique. Further well‐designed trials are needed to verify the outcome of PRM division in the treatment of anismus.

Cardiac sarcoidosis is a component of an often multiorgan granulomatous disease of still uncertain cause. It is being recognized with increasing frequency, mainly as the result of heightened awareness and new diagnostic tests, specifically cardiac magnetic resonance imaging and 18 F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography scans. The purpose of this case-based review is to highlight the potentially life-saving importance of making the early diagnosis of cardiac sarcoidosis using these new tools and to provide a framework for the optimal care of patients with this disease. We will review disease mechanisms as currently understood, associated arrhythmias including conduction abnormalities, and atrial and ventricular tachyarrhythmias, guideline-directed diagnostic criteria, screening of patients with extracardiac sarcoidosis, and the use of pacemakers and defibrillators in this setting. Treatment options, including those related to heart failure, and those which may help clarify disease mechanisms are included.

Objective: The aim of this work is to formulate recommendations based on global expert consensus to guide the surgical community on the safe resumption of surgical and endoscopic activities. Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has caused marked disruptions in the delivery of surgical care worldwide. A thoughtful, structured approach to resuming surgical services is necessary as the impact of COVID-19 becomes better controlled. The Coronavirus Global Surgical Collaborative sought to formulate, through rigorous scientific methodology, consensus-based recommendations in collaboration with a multidisciplinary group of international experts and policymakers. Methods: Recommendations were developed following a Delphi process. Domain topics were formulated and subsequently subdivided into questions pertinent to different aspects of surgical care in the COVID-19 crisis. Forty-four experts from 15 countries across 4 continents drafted statements based on the specific questions. Anonymous Delphi voting on the statements was performed in 2 rounds, as well as in a telepresence meeting. Results: One hundred statements were formulated across 10 domains. The statements addressed terminology, impact on procedural services, patient/staff safety, managing a backlog of surgeries, methods to restart and sustain surgical services, education, and research. Eighty-three of the statements were approved during the first round of Delphi voting, and 11 during the second round. A final telepresence meeting and discussion yielded acceptance of 5 other statements. Conclusions: The Delphi process resulted in 99 recommendations. These consensus statements provide expert guidance, based on scientific methodology, for the safe resumption of surgical activities during the COVID-19 pandemic.

From the onset of the COVID-19 global pandemic of 2020, the American College of Surgeons has been a leader in disseminating reliable information on the nature of the crisis and assuring quality of surgical care during the enforced lockdown of inpatient and outpatient care.

Abstract PARADIGHM is an actively recruiting, prospective, observational registry (NCT01922440/EUPAS16927). The primary objective is to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of recombinant human parathyroid hormone, rhPTH(1-84), treatment in patients with chronic hypoparathyroidism (HypoPT) under routine clinical care. The secondary objective is to characterize the clinical course of chronic HypoPT under conditions of routine clinical practice. At enrollment, registry inclusion criteria are patients having a HypoPT diagnosis &gt;6 months and receiving conventional therapy (CT; eg, calcium supplements and active vitamin D), rhPTH(1-84) plus CT, or rhPTH(1-84). We present baseline characteristics of patients as of a June 30 2019 data cut. Baseline was defined as the value entered at the time of enrollment (Visit 1). Baseline symptom data exclude patients who initiated rhPTH(1-84) prior to enrollment (n=68) and are herein presented as two groups: those subsequently prescribed with rhPTH(1-84) after enrollment or those treated with CT. All data are summarized descriptively. Patient data from 64 centers in Europe and North America were analyzed. In the analysis population (n=737), 587 patients (79.6%) were female, 620 (84.1%) were white, and the mean (SD) age was 49.1 (16.45) years. The mean (SD) BMI was 19.3 (5.73) kg/m2 and 30.0 (7.72) kg/m2 in patients aged &lt;18 (n=25) and ≥18 (n=587) years, respectively. The primary cause of HypoPT was thyroid surgery (n=547 [74.2%]; of these, 281 [60.0%] underwent surgery for thyroid cancer). Endocrinologists were the prescribing specialists for most patients (n=660 [89.6%]). Vitamin D and analogs were prescribed for 90.1% of patients (calcitriol, 74.2%, native vitamin D, 47.4%, alfacalcidol, 7.9%,), calcium for 81.0% (calcium carbonate, 57.9%, calcium citrate, 27.1%), and thyroid hormones for 71.2% (levothyroxine, 73.4%; liothyronine, 5.8%). Symptoms reported at enrollment for the rhPTH(1-84) (n=66) and the CT groups (n=603), respectively, included fatigue (53.0%, 39.3%), paresthesia (48.5%, 29.2%), muscle twitching (48.5%, 21.1%), muscle cramping (40.9%, 33.0%), headaches (33.3%, 17.6%), anxiety (28.8%, 20.1%), muscle pain (28.8%, 19.2%), tetany (28.8%, 12.1%), and brain fog (27.3%, 16.3%). The baseline data for the overall population appear to be representative of patients with chronic HypoPT. Baseline data suggest that at enrollment patients prescribed rhPTH(1-84) after enrollment appear to have an increased burden of disease than patients receiving CT based on symptoms. PARADIGHM will be a valuable resource of real-world longitudinal data for patients with chronic HypoPT.

Introduction: Nonconvulsive seizures (NCSs) are common in critically ill adult patients with acute neurologic conditions. However, the effect of NCSs on patient outcome remains unclear. In this study, we aimed to determine the effect of NCSs on short-term outcome and to assess the clinical and EEG factors associated with NCSs. Methods: We retrospectively identified 219 adult patients from the EEG reporting system who underwent continuous EEG (cEEG) monitoring between January 2018 and June 2018. Patients with anoxic brain injury were excluded from the study. Clinical, laboratory, and EEG data were reviewed to determine potentially predictive factors of NCSs. The impact of NCSs on in-hospital mortality, length of stay, and disability on discharge was measured; an modified Rankin scale of three or greater was considered disabled. Results: Of the 219 patients included in our study, a total of 14% (n = 31) had NCSs on continuous EEG, of which 42% (n = 13) had their first seizure discharge recorded during the first hour of continuous EEG monitoring. The presence of clinical seizures before continuous EEG (odds ratio = 1.787; 95% confidence interval = 1.197–2.667, P = 0.0045), history of epilepsy (odds ratio = 1.508; 95% confidence interval = 1.027–2.215, P = 0.035), and comatose state (29 vs. 16%; P = 0.0006) were associated with NCSs. Among EEG characteristics, the presence of interictal epileptiform discharges (P < 0.0001), lateralized rhythmic delta activity (P = 0.02), and lateralized periodic discharges (P < 0.0001) were associated with NCSs. Nonconvulsive seizures were significantly associated with longer in-hospital stay (23.68 ± 24.84 vs. 17.14 ± 20.52; P = 0.036) and disability on discharge (87% [n = 27] vs. 13% [n = 4], P = 0.02). However, there was no significant association between NCS and in-hospital mortality (9.6% [n = 3] vs. 10.6% [n = 20]; P = 0.1). Conclusions: Nonconvulsive seizures are associated with longer in-hospital stay and disability on discharge but not with in-hospital mortality in adult patients.

BACKGROUND: Restorative total proctocolectomy with IPAA may not be feasible in some patients because of technical intraoperative limitations. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess preoperative predictors for intraoperative IPAA and review management. DESIGN: This is a retrospective review. SETTING: This study was conducted at Cleveland Clinic between January 2010 and May 2018. PATIENTS: Patients ≥18 years of age who underwent ileoanal pouch surgery were included. Patients with successful pouch creation as planned were grouped as “successful IPAA creation.” Operative reports of patients who underwent alternative procedures were reviewed to identify cases when the pouch was preoperatively planned but intraoperatively abandoned (IPAA-abandoned group). Multivariate logistic regression models were developed to determine predictors of intraoperative pouch abandonment. We also reviewed the management of patients in whom the initial pouch creation failed. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcomes measured were preoperative predictors for intraoperative ileoanal pouch abandonment. RESULTS: A total of 1438 patients were offered an ileoanal pouch; 21 (1.5%) experienced pouch abandonment due to inadequate reach (n = 17) and other technical reasons (n = 4). These patients underwent alternative procedures such as end or loop ileostomy with/without proctectomy. Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated male sex (OR, 6.021; 95% CI, 1.540–23.534), BMI (OR, 1.217; 95% CI, 1.114–1.329), and a 2-stage procedure (OR, 14.510; 95% CI, 4.123–51.064) as independent factors associated with intraoperative abandonment of pouch creation. Alternative procedures were total proctocolectomy with end ileostomy (n = 14) and total abdominal colectomy with end ileostomy without proctectomy (n = 7). Ultimately, pouch creation was achieved in 6 of 21 patients after a median interval of 8.8 (range, 4.1–34.8) months. All patients had intentional weight loss before a reattempt and total abdominal colectomy with end ileostomy without proctectomy as their initial procedure. LIMITATIONS: This study was limited by its retrospective nature. CONCLUSIONS: Ileoanal pouch abandonment is rare and can be mitigated by initial total abdominal colectomy and weight loss. Male, obese patients are at a higher risk of failure. Intraoperative assessment of ileoanal pouch feasibility should occur before rectal dissection. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/B156. PREDICCIÓN MULTIVARIANTE DEL ABANDONO INTRAOPERATORIO DE LA ANASTOMOSIS ANAL CON BOLSA ILEAL ANTECEDENTES: La proctocolectomía total restaurativa con anastomosis de bolsa ileoanal puede no ser posible en algunos pacientes debido a limitaciones técnicas intraoperatorias. OBJETIVO: Evaluar los predictores preoperatorios para el abandono intraoperatorio de la bolsa ileoanal y revisar el manejo. DISEÑO: Revisión retrospectiva. MARCO: Cleveland Clinic entre Enero de 2010 y mayo de 2018. PACIENTES: Pacientes > 18 años que se sometieron a cirugía de bolsa ileoanal. Los pacientes con una creación exitosa de la bolsa según lo planeado se agruparon como “creación exitosa de anastomosis de bolsa ileoanal”. Se revisaron los informes operativos de los pacientes que se sometieron a procedimientos alternativos para identificar los casos en que la bolsa se planificó preoperatoriamente pero se abandonó intraoperatoriamente (grupo de “anastomosis anal de bolsa ileoanal abandonada”). Se desarrollaron modelos de regresión logística multivariante para determinar los predictores del abandono intraoperatorio de la bolsa. También revisamos el manejo de pacientes que fallaron en la creación inicial de la bolsa. MEDIDAS DE RESULTADOS PRINCIPALES: Predictores preoperatorios para el abandono intraoperatorio de la bolsa ileoanal. RESULTADOS: A un total de 1438 pacientes se les ofreció una bolsa ileoanal; 21 (1.5%) experimentaron abandono de la bolsa debido a un alcance inadecuado (n = 17) y otras razones técnicas (n = 4). Estos pacientes se sometieron a procedimientos alternativos como ileostomía final o de asa con / sin proctectomía. El análisis de regresión logística multivariante indicó género masculino (OR, 6.021; IC 95%, 1.540–23.534), índice de masa corporal (OR, 1.217; IC 95%, 1.114–1.329) y procedimiento en 2 etapas (OR, 14.510; IC 95%, 4.123–51.064) como factores independientes asociados con el abandono intraoperatorio de la creación de la bolsa. Los procedimientos alternativos fueron la proctocolectomía total con ileostomía final (n = 14) y la colectomía abdominal total con ileostomía final sin proctectomía (n = 7). Finalmente, la creación de la bolsa se logró en 6/21 pacientes después de un intervalo medio de 8.8 (rango, 4.1–34.8) meses. Todos los pacientes tuvieron pérdida de peso intencional antes de la reintenta y colectomía abdominal total con ileostomía final sin proctectomía como procedimiento inicial. LIMITACIONES: Naturaleza retrospectiva. CONCLUSIONES: El abandono de la bolsa ileoanal es raro y puede mitigarse mediante la colectomía abdominal total inicial y la pérdida de peso. Los pacientes masculinos y obesos tienen un mayor riesgo de fracaso. La evaluación intraoperatoria de la viabilidad de la bolsa ileoanal debe ocurrir antes de la disección rectal. Consulte Video Resumen en http://links.lww.com/DCR/B156. (Traducción—Dr. Yesenia Rojas-Kahlil)

Biliary complications (strictures and leaks) represent major limitations in living donor liver transplantation. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are a promising modality to prevent biliary complications because of immunosuppressive and angiogenic properties. Our goal was to evaluate the safety of adipose‐derived MSC delivery to biliary anastomoses in a porcine model. Secondary objectives were defining the optimal method of delivery (intraluminal versus extraluminal) and to investigate MSC engraftment, angiogenesis, and fibrosis. Pigs were divided into 3 groups. Animals underwent adipose collection, MSC isolation, and expansion. Two weeks later, animals underwent bile duct transection, reanastomosis, and stent insertion. Group 1 received plastic stents wrapped in unseeded Vicryl mesh. Group 2 received stents wrapped in MSC‐seeded mesh. Group 3 received unwrapped stents with the anastomosis immersed in an MSC suspension. Animals were killed 1 month after stent insertion when cholangiograms and biliary tissue were obtained. Serum was collected for liver biochemistries. Tissue was used for hematoxylin‐eosin and trichrome staining and immunohistochemistry for MSC markers (CD44 and CD34) and for a marker of neoangiogenesis (CD31). There were no intraoperative complications. One pig died on postoperative day 3 due to acute cholangitis. All others recovered without complications. Cholangiography demonstrated no biliary leaks and minimal luminal narrowing. Surviving animals exhibited no symptoms, abnormal liver biochemistries, or clinically significant biliary stricturing. Group 3 showed significantly greater CD44 and CD34 staining, indicating MSC engraftment. Fibrosis was reduced at the anastomotic site in group 3 based on trichrome stain. CD31 staining of group 3 was more pronounced, supporting enhanced neoangiogenesis. In conclusion, adipose‐derived MSCs were safely applied to biliary anastomoses. MSCs were locally engrafted within the bile duct and may have beneficial effects in terms of fibrosis and angiogenesis.