Category: Intestine and Lower Gastrointestinal Tract

Comparing Strategies for Crohn’s Disease Strictures: Endoscopy vs. Surgery

In the battle against Crohn’s disease-related strictures, researchers compared endotherapy (ET) and surgical therapy (ST) outcomes. The study, encompassing 59 patients with 12+ months of follow-up, showed a significantly higher re-intervention rate with ET. However, it also highlighted that re-operation could be avoided for most ET patients, with similar symptom-free survival at one year. This […]

Malnutrition Negatively Impacts Post-Operative Outcomes in Crohn’s Disease Patients Undergoing Ileocecectomy

A nationwide study on Crohn’s disease patients undergoing elective ileocecectomy reveals the influence of malnutrition on post-operative outcomes. Of 1,464 patients, 22% were malnourished. Malnourished patients experienced more organ space surgical site infections (SSI), bleeding, longer hospital stays, and higher readmission rates compared to well-nourished counterparts. This study underscores the importance of assessing and optimizing […]

Personalized Approaches to T1 Colorectal Cancer Treatment

This study explored the optimal management of T1 colorectal cancers (CRCs) in the Western hemisphere. Analyzing a significant dataset from 2004 to 2018, including 28,430 T1 CRC patients, researchers compared endoscopic therapy (ET) and surgical resection (SR) outcomes. They found that ET was safe and effective for left-sided T1N0M0 colon cancers with tumors 2 cm […]

Modified Rutgeerts Score Predicts Recurrence in Crohn’s Disease Patients

In a study involving 652 patients who underwent primary ileocecal resection for Crohn’s disease, the Modified Rutgeerts Score (MRS) proved to be a valuable predictor of long-term outcomes. Patients with higher MRS values were more likely to experience surgical and clinical recurrence, as well as progression to severe endoscopic recurrence. Specifically, an MRS of i2b […]

Noninvasive Approach Accurately Detects Crohn’s Disease Recurrence

A study conducted in three Italian referral centers assessed the accuracy of a noninvasive approach for detecting postoperative recurrence (POR) in Crohn’s disease. Colonoscopy, the standard method for POR assessment, can be invasive and poorly tolerated. The study found that a combination of bowel ultrasound and fecal calprotectin levels reliably detected POR without the need […]

Fragility Index Reveals Limited Robustness in Diverticular Disease Trial Outcomes

Researchers reviewed randomized trials exploring interventions for diverticular disease patients. They assessed the trials’ robustness using the fragility index, which measures how many non-events must turn into events to raise a p-value above 0.05. Analyzing 15 studies, they found a concerning lack of robustness. Changing a single outcome event often rendered statistically significant findings non-significant, […]

Enhanced Recovery: Patient Engagement Technology Boosts Postoperative Results

In the world of colorectal surgery, patient engagement technologies (PET) teamed up with electronic medical record (EMR) patient portals to determine whether they could enhance postoperative outcomes. Among 484 patients undergoing elective colorectal surgery, those who used PET, especially older adults and highly engaged users, experienced improved results. They had reduced odds of prolonged hospital […]

Longer Operating Times Linked to Extended Hospital Stays and Higher Complication Rates in Colorectal Surgery

This study, covering various colorectal surgeries, reveals that extended operative times have consistent effects across different surgical approaches. Prolonged operative time results in longer hospital stays and a greater likelihood of complications. Interestingly, minimally invasive methods partially mitigate these negative effects, showcasing their benefits. These findings highlight the importance of balancing surgical efficiency and patient […]

Pelvic Exenteration Effectiveness for Chronic Fistulating Pelvic Sepsis Post-Multimodal Pelvic Cancer Treatment

This study focuses on pelvic exenteration as a solution for chronic fistulating pelvic sepsis, a rare complication stemming from pelvic cancer treatment. The research includes 19 patients who underwent radical resection after previous pelvic cancer treatments. Promisingly, the procedure proved safe and effective, with no intraoperative or postoperative deaths. While some patients faced major complications […]

Effectiveness of High Ligation of Inferior Mesenteric Artery in Left-Sided Colon and Rectal Cancer Surgery

This study assessed the success rates and outcomes of high ligation of the inferior mesenteric artery (IMA) in left-sided colon and rectal cancer surgery. Results showed that high ligation was technically successful in the majority of cases, with 61.5% of operative reports indicating high ligation. However, there was no significant difference in patient outcomes between […]