Background Enterocutaneous fistulas (ECF) pose a major challenge to every gastrointestinal (GI) surgeon. Based on earlier studies, a standardized treatment guideline was implemented. The focus of the present study was to assess that guideline and determine prognostic factors for outcome of patients with ECF, and to define a more detailed therapeutic approach including the convalescence time before restorative surgery. Methods All patients with ECF treated between 1990 and 2005 were included. Management consisted of controlling Sepsis, Optimization of nutritional state, Wound care, assessment of fistula Anatomy, Timing of surgery, and Surgical strategy (the SOWATS guideline). Prognostic factors were assessed by way of multiple logistic regression analysis. Results A total of 135 patients were treated at our unit. Overall closure was achieved in 118 patients (87.4%). Restorative operations for fistula closure were performed after a median of 53 days (range: 4-270 days). Restorative operations were successful in 97/107 patients (90.7%). Thirteen patients (9.6%) died. An abdominal wall defect was the most predominant negative prognostic factor for Conclusions Application of the SOWATS guideline allowed a favorable outcome after a short convalescence period. Abdominal wall defects and preoperative hypoalbuminemia are important prognostic variables.
Objective Faecal incontinence (FI) is a socially devastating problem. Sacral nerve modulation (SNM) has proven its place in the treatment of patients with FI. In this study, the first 100 definitive SNM implants in a single centre have been evaluated prospectively.Method Patients treated between March 2000 and May 2005 were included. Faecal incontinence was defined as at least one episode of involuntary faecal loss per week confirmed by a 3-week bowel habit diary. Patients were eligible for implantation of a permanent SNM when showing at least a 50% reduction in incontinence episodes or days during ambulatory test stimulation. Preoperative workup consisted of an X-defaecography, pudendal nerve terminal motor latency measurement, endo-anal ultrasound and anal manometry. The follow-up visits for the permanent implanted patients were scheduled at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months and annually thereafter. The bowel habit diary and anal manometry were repeated postoperatively during the follow-up visits.Results A total of 134 patients were included and received a subchronic test stimulation. One hundred patients (74.6%) had a positive test stimulation and received a definitive SNM implantation. The permanent implantation group consisted of 89 women and 11 men. The mean age was 55 years (range 26-75). The mean follow-up was 25.5 months (range 2.5-63.2). The mean number of incontinence episodes decreased significantly during the test stimulation (baseline, 31.3; test, 4.4; P < 0.0001) and at follow-up (36 months postoperatively, 4.8; P < 0.0001). There was no significant change in the mean anal resting pressure. The squeeze pressures were significantly higher at 6 months (109.8 mmHg; P ¼ 0.03), 12 months (114.1 mmHg; P ¼ 0.02) and 24 months postoperatively (113.5 mmHg; P ¼ 0.007). The first sensation, urge and maximum tolerable volume did not change significantly. Twenty-one patients were considered late failures and received further treatment.Conclusion Sacral neuromodulation is an effective treatment for FI. The medium-term results were satisfying.
Conversion of a failed VBG to a RYGB is more effective than a reVBG, because conversion to RYGB provides satisfactory weight loss without requiring further revisional surgery.
PurposeLaparoscopic rectopexy has become one of the most advocated treatments for full-thickness rectal prolapse, offering good functional results compared with open surgery and resulting in less postoperative pain and faster convalescence. However, laparoscopic rectopexy can be technically demanding. Once having mastered dexterity, with robotic assistance, laparoscopic rectopexy can be performed faster. Moreover, it shortens the learning curve in simple laparoscopic tasks. This may lead to faster and safer laparoscopic surgery. Robot-assisted rectopexy has been proven safe and feasible; however, until now, no study has been performed comparing costs and time consumption in conventional laparoscopic rectopexy vs. robot-assisted rectopexy.MethodsOur first 14 cases of robot-assisted laparoscopic rectopexy were reviewed and compared with 19 patients who underwent conventional laparoscopic rectopexy in the same period.ResultsRobot-assisted laparoscopic rectopexy did not show more complications. However, the average operating time was 39 minutes longer, and costs were -57.29 (or: $745.09) higher.ConclusionRobot-assisted laparoscopic rectopexy is a safe and feasible procedure but results in increased time and higher costs than conventional laparoscopy.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.