Background. Colonic malignant obstruction and perforated diverticulitis are acute left sided colonic emergencies (ALSCE) that are typically managed with colorectal resection. Colonic preservation techniques such as laparoscopic lavage and endoscopic stenting have emerged as management options, the safety of which has been debated. We aimed to determine if these alternate colonic preservation techniques result in increased in-hospital mortality. Materials and Methods. Retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data of 210 patients with ALSCE managed from June 2001 to April 2014. Data collected included demographic, pathology type, ASA grading, operative and post-operative progress. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression was performed to determine factors contributing to treatment arm allocation and in-hospital mortality. These were performed on the whole treatment cohort, as well as per pathology subgroup. Results. 210 patients were included. Non-resectional management was attempted in 147 patients (70%), of which 38 (26%) required un-planned colonic resection or died in hospital. Those treated with colonic preservation were younger, had lower ASA scores and had lower Hinchey scores (in the diverticular perforation group) than those in the resection group. Female gender was the only independent predictor of increased in-hospital mortality risk. Importantly, the type of procedure performed (colonic preservation vs. resection) did not predict in-hospital mortality risk. Conclusion. Attempted colonic preservation strategies do not increase the risk of in-hospital mortality in patients presenting with ALSCE. Given the inherent benefits of colonic preservation, these treatment strategies should be considered when managing ALSCE.
Left-sided colonic diverticular perforation and malignant obstruction are common surgical emergencies [
In 1994, Tejero first described that successful endoscopic colonic stenting can provide adequate decompression of colonic obstruction for the purpose of palliation or as a bridge to semi-elective single stage colorectal resection [
Therefore, the aim of this study was to analyse prospectively collected data of a large cohort of patients to determine if alternate colonic preservation techniques for treatment of acute left sided colonic emergencies (ALSCE) results in increased in-hospital mortality.
A retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data from June 2001 to May 2014 of patients managed with primary colonic malignancy causing complete large bowel obstruction and perforated diverticulitis refractory to medical management was performed. Patients with other left sided colonic pathology such as sigmoid volvulus, stercoral, colitis (ischaemic, inflammatory bowel disease, pseudomembranous), pseudo-obstruction were excluded from this study due to low patient numbers.
Patient data collected included age, gender, pathology type, American Association of Anesthesiology (ASA) grading, operative details and post-operative outcomes. This data was collected into a prospectively maintained colonic emergency database. Factors collected and analysed are seen in
Malignant left-sided colonic obstruction was determined clinically and radiologically. These obstructions were managed either by colonic stenting, laparotomy and bowel resection, or diverting colostomy. Colonic stenting was utilised for palliation or as a bridge to later surgical resection. Patients were deemed palliative if possessing non-curable metastatic cancer, or if physically unfit for curative oncological resection. Patients who could tolerate an oral colonic preparation and was fit for surgery underwent colonic resection without consideration for stenting, and were excluded from this series. Patients with malignant colonic obstruction were grouped in the colonic preservation group if stenting was utilised for treatment. The technique of colonic stenting has previously been described by this unit [
Perforated diverticulitis patients who had failed medical management underwent a radiologically guided percutaneous drainage, laparoscopic peritoneal lavage or laparotomy and bowel resection. Patients who presented with minor local free gas perforation or whose collection was too small to benefit from drainage were excluded from the present analysis, as they were managed conservatively with antibiotics and bowel rest. The techniques of radiologically guided percutaneous drainage and laparoscopic peritoneal lavage have been previously described [
Continuous variables were compared using Student’s t-, Wilcoxon rank-sum, one-way analysis of variance ANOVA and/or Kruskal-Wallis tests as appropriate. Where necessary log2-transformation of data was performed to achieve normal distribution. Differences between proportions derived from categorical data were compared using Pearson’s χ2- or Fisher’s exact test where appropriate. Data are reported as median with inter-quartile range (IQR) unless denoted otherwise. To determine factors contributing to treatment arm allocation uni- and multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed. Equally, to identify
All patients n = 210 | Colonic preservation group n = 147 | Colonic resection group n = 63 | P-value* | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Age (years)** | 73 (59 - 81) | 70 (56 - 79) | 75 (70 - 83) | 0.004 |
Octogenarians, n (%) | 58 (28) | 35 (24) | 23 (37) | 0.06 |
Gender, n (%) Male Female | 124 (59) 86 (41) | 84 (57) 63 (43) | 40 (64) 23 (36) | 0.39 |
ASA Score, n (%) ASA I ASA II ASA III ASA IV ASA V | 25 (12) 52 (25) 103 (49) 28 (13) 2 (1) | 23 (16) 38 (26) 69 (46) 17 (11.6) - | 2 (3) 14 (22) 34 (54) 11 (18) 2 (3) | 0.01 |
Type of acute left sided colonic emergency, n (%) Malignant obstruction Perforated diverticulitis | 89 (42) 121 (58) | 63 (43) 84 (57) | 26 (41) 37 (59) | 0.83 |
Site of cancer, n (%) Splenic flexure Descending Sigmoid Rectosigmoid Missing data | 7 (3) 11 (5) 32 (15) 32 (15) 7 (3) | 6 (4) 7 (5) 20 (14) 24 (16) 6 (4) | 1 (2) 4 (6) 12 (19) 8 (13) 1 (2) | 0.62 |
Hinchey Classification, n (%) Hinchey I Hinchey II Hinchey III Hinchey IV | 18 (9) 29 (14) 49 (23) 25 (12) | 16 (11) 27 (18) 33 (22) 8 (5) | 2 (3) 2 (3) 16 (25) 17 (26) | <0.001 |
Type of procedure, n (%) Stent Percutaneous drainage Laparoscopic washout Resection | 63 (30) 18 (9) 66 (31) 63 (30) | 63 (43) 18 (12) 66 (45) - | - - - 63 (100) | - |
Treatment success***, n (%) Yes No | 173 (82) 37 (18) | 118 (80) 29 (20) | 55 (87) 8 (13) | 0.16 |
Reintervention, n (%) Yes No | 19 (9) 191 (91) | 17 (12) 130 (88) | 2 (3) 61 (96) | 0.07 |
In hospital deaths, n (%) | 19 (9) | 11 (7) | 8 (13) | 0.23 |
Note: totals may not equal 100% due to rounding. *P-values were calculated with Pearson’s chi-squared or Fisher’s exact test comparing the colonic preservation vs. resection group where appropriate; **Age presented as median with interquartile range in brackets; ***Treatment success defined as resolution of symptoms with initial management strategy without the necessity for a re-intervention of any kind and/or in hospital death.
factors contributing to in-hospital mortality uni- and multivariable logistic regression was performed. Both regression analyses were performed for the whole treatment cohort, as well as malignant obstruction and diverticulitis perforation subgroups separately, as each represent fairly distinct pathologies requiring different management strategies. Treatment success was defined as an initiated treatment that led to resolution of symptoms and no patient death. This was irrespective of if a re-intervention (second look, lavage etc.) was required, as this was recorded separately. Accordingly, treatment failure was defined as any attempt at treatment that resulted in in-patient death or if patients who received a colonic preservation management strategy progressed to emergency colonic resection within the same hospitalisation. All p-values <0.05 were regarded as statistically significant and all analyses were performed using R Statistical Packages [
Between June 2001 and April 2014, 210 patients with ALSCE were treated. Of these, 89 (42%) presented with malignant obstruction, and 121 (58%) with perforated diverticulitis. Colonic preservation techniques were implemented for 147 (70%) patients and 63 (30%) underwent colonic resection. A comparison of patient demographic features is provided in
Of 147 patients managed with a colonic non-resection strategy, 118 (80%)
achieved resolution of their symptoms, while 29 (20%) underwent subsequent emergency colonic resection. Of these, 2 died and 9 others were subsequently deemed palliative and died, equating to a mortality rate of 7%. As such, the overall failure rate for this management strategy was 26% (n = 38).
Of 89 patients presenting with malignant colonic obstruction, 63 (71%) had attempted colonic preservation through colonic stenting, whereas 26 (29%) underwent emergency colonic resection in the first instance. Fifty-eight of 63 patients (92%) who had colonic stenting had successful resolution of obstruction. The remaining 5 patients (8%) required subsequent emergency colonic resection, all of whom survived. Seven patients (11%) who were managed conservatively were subsequently deemed palliative and died. As such, the overall failure rate was 19% (n = 12).
Of 121 patients presenting with perforated diverticulitis, 84 had an attempted colonic preservation, either through percutaneous (n = 18, 12%) or laparoscopic washout (n = 66, 45%). Fifteen (18%) of these patients required a subsequent emergency colonic resection, two of whom died. Two further patients who were managed with colonic preservation for perforated diverticulitis subsequently died, equating to an overall mortality rate of 5% (n = 4). Accordingly, the overall failure rate was 20% (n = 17).
There was no difference in the failure rates of attempted colonic preservation depending on the underlying presenting pathology (p = 1.00).
Of the 210 patients, 63 patients (30%) underwent colonic resection in the first instance. Twenty-six (41%) of these patients presented with malignant obstruction, whereas 37 had perforated diverticulitis (59%).
Of the patients presenting with malignant colonic obstruction, 13 (35%) had a Hartmann’s procedure, 4 (11%) a colonic resection with primary anastomosis, 2 (6%) a subtotal colectomy with ileo-rectal anastomosis, 3 (8%) a total colectomy with end-ileostomy, 3 (8%) a diverting colostomy, and one case had missing operative information. Of these patients, 4 died equating to an overall procedure related mortality of 15%.
Of the patients presenting with perforated diverticulitis, 35 (9%) had a Hartmann’s procedure, 1 (3%) a colonic resection with primary anastomosis and 1 (3%) patient underwent a total colectomy with end-ileostomy. Of these patients four subsequently died in hospital equating to a procedure specific mortality of 11%. There was no difference in mortality rates depending on underlying presenting pathology (p = 0.71).
As differences existed in the distribution of certain patient demographics depending on which treatment strategy was pursued and no defined protocols were followed, a uni- and multivariable analysis was performed to determine which factors may predict the type of treatment adopted. The results of this analysis are presented in
A multivariable analysis was performed across the whole cohort of patients adjusting for age, gender, ASA score and the underlying pathology of the
Analysis of total cohort (n = 210) | ||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Univariable analysis | Multivariable analysis | |||||
Variable | OR* | 95% CI* | P - value | OR | 95% CI | P-value |
Age | 0.97 | 0.95 - 0.99 | 0.005 | 0.97 | 0.94 - 1.00 | 0.02 |
Gender Male Female | ref 1.30 | - 0.71 - 2.42 | 0.39 | ref 1.62 | - 0.86 - 3.12 | 0.14 |
ASA Score ASA I-II ASA III-V | ref 0.48 | - 0.24 - 0.91 | 0.03 | ref 0.69 | - 0.30 - 1.54 | 0.38 |
Type of acute left sided colonic emergency Malignant obstruction Perforated diverticulitis | ref 0.94 | - 0.51 - 1.70 | 0.83 | ref 0.70 | - 0.37 - 1.33 | 0.28 |
Subgroup analysis for malignant obstructions (n = 89) | ||||||
Age | 0.99 | 0.95 - 1.03 | 0.77 | 0.95 | 0.90 - 1.00 | 0.07 |
Gender Male Female | ref 0.72 | - 0.28 - 1.82 | 0.48 | ref 0.99 | - 0.33 - 3.16 | 0.99 |
ASA Score ASA I-II ASA III-V | ref 6.97 | - 2.28 - 23.27 | <0.001 | ref 11.68 | - 3.07 - 54.73 | <0.001 |
Site of cancer Descending to sigmoid Rectum | ref 1.55 | - 0.59 - 4.33 | 0.39 | ref 1.78 | - 0.60 - 5.73 | 0.31 |
Subgroup analysis for diverticulitis perforations (n = 121) | ||||||
Age | 0.96 | 0.93 - 0.98 | 0.002 | 0.99 | 0.94 - 1.03 | 0.47 |
Gender Male Female | ref 2.05 | - 0.91 - 4.82 | 0.09 | ref 3.81 | - 1.38 - 11.44 | 0.01 |
ASA Score ASA I-II ASA III-V | ref 0.08 | - 0.03 - 0.22 | <0.001 | ref 0.11 | - 0.03 - 0.37 | <0.001 |
Hinchey Classification Hinchey I-II Hinchey III-IV | ref 0.12 | - 0.03 - 0.32 | <0.001 | ref 0.20 | - 0.05 - 0.63 | 0.009 |
*OR = odds ratio; 95%CI = 95% confidence interval
ALSCE. Only increased age was an independent predictor of the treatment type allocation (adjusted OR 0.97, 95%CI 0.94 - 1.00;
In an analogous fashion a subgroup analysis was performed for only patients presenting with malignant obstructions or perforated diverticulitis. For patients with underlying malignant obstruction, increased ASA score was a significant predictor of colonic preservation management strategy when adjusting for age, gender, ASA score and site of the primary tumour (adjusted OR 11.68, 95%CI 3.07 - 54.73; p < 0.001). On the other hand, in the subgroup analysis of patients with perforated diverticulitis, increased ASA as well as Hinchey scores significantly reduced the likelihood of being managed with a colonic preservation strategy when adjusting for age, gender, ASA score and the Hinchey grade of disease (adjusted OR 0.11, 95%CI 0.03 - 0.37; p < 0.001 and adjusted OR 0.20, 95%CI 0.05 - 0.63, p = 0.009 respectively).
In a next step, we aimed to determine factors contributing to increased risk of in-hospital mortality (
Our study analysed prospectively collected data of a large cohort of consecutive patients treated for ALSCE. We found that alternate colonic preservation techniques do not increase the risk of in-hospital mortality. Furthermore, those treated with colonic preservation were younger, had lower ASA scores and lower Hinchey scores. Non-resection strategies failed in 26%. Female gender was the only independent predictor of increased risk of in-hospital mortality.
Patients who present with ALSCE are often elderly and frail with multiple comorbidities, findings congruent with our cohort of patients. Moreover, upon emergency presentation these patients are generally unwell with dehydration, electrolyte imbalance and friable colon due to obstruction or inflammation. Emergency colorectal procedures requiring laparotomy, are less likely to involve primary anastomosis, frequently involve stoma formation, and are associated with higher morbidity and mortality than if performed electively [
Analysis of total cohort (n = 210) | ||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Variable | Univariable analysis | Multivariable Analysis | ||||
OR | 95% CI | P-value | OR | 95% CI | P-value | |
Age | 1.06 | 1.02 - 1.12 | 0.008 | 1.04 | 0.99 - 1.10 | 0.12 |
Gender Male Female | ref 3.50 | - 1.32 - 10.34 | 0.015 | ref 3.04 | - 1.09 - 9.34 | 0.039 |
ASA Score ASA I-II ASA III-V | ref 3.37 | - 1.08 - 14.86 | 0.06 | ref 1.56 | - 0.40 - 7.91 | 0.55 |
Type of acute left sided colonic emergency Malignant obstruction Perforated diverticulitis | ref 0.50 | - 0.19 - 1.30 | 0.16 | ref 0.58 | - 0.21 - 1.58 | 0.29 |
Attempted colonic preservation No Yes | ref 0.56 | - 0.21 - 1.51 | 0.23 | ref 0.60 | - 0.22 - 1.71 | 0.33 |
Subgroup analysis for malignant obstructions (n = 89) | ||||||
Age | 1.04 | 0.98 - 1.12 | 0.24 | 1.02 | 0.94 - 1.12 | 0.65 |
Gender Male Female | ref 4.76 | - 1.27 - 23.09 | 0.03 | ref 3.52 | - 0.73 - 20.46 | 0.13 |
ASA Score ASA I-II ASA III-V | ref 1.07 | - 0.24 - 7.51 | 0.93 | ref 1.40 | - 0.15 - 17.77 | 0.77 |
Site of cancer Descending to sigmoid Rectum | ref 16.33 | - 2.77 - 312.06 | 0.01 | ref 19.67 | - 3.02 - 401.37 | 0.009 |
Attempted colonic preservation No Yes | ref 0.69 | - 0.19 - 2.84 | 0.58 | ref 0.32 | - 0.04 - 2.28 | 0.25 |
Subgroup analysis for diverticulitis perforations (n = 121) | ||||||
Age | 1.09 | 1.02 - 1.19 | 0.03 | 1.08 | 1.00 - 1.21 | 0.09 |
Gender Male Female | ref 2.52 | - 0.59 - 12.77 | 0.22 | ref 2.21 | - 0.43 - 13.52 | 0.35 |
ASA Score ASA I-II ASA III-V | ref 7.65 | - 1.3 - 1.45 | 0.06 | ref 1.43 | - 0.15 - 33.24 | 0.77 |
Hinchey Classification Hinchey I-II Hinchey III-IV | ref 4.81 | - 0.82 - 91.41 | 0.14 | ref 4.18 | - 0.56 - 88.60 | 0.22 |
Attempted colonic preservation No Yes | ref 0.41 | - 0.09 - 1.84 | 0.22 | ref 0.80 | - 0.14 - 4.38 | 0.79 |
quality of life and negative psychosocial impact [
With regards to malignant colorectal obstruction, some authors suggest increased postoperative mortality in patients undergoing emergency versus elective resection [
Recent meta-analyses have suggested that laparoscopic lavage in the management of perforated diverticulitis can help avoid emergency laparotomy, resection, stoma formation and the associated morbidity, mortality and cost [
Our audit of 210 consecutive ALSCE commenced in 2001 following our first colonic stent and laparoscopic lavage. The learning curve for non-resection techniques was influenced by varying levels of experience and enthusiasm amongst surgeons involved in emergency after-hours care. However, continued success in managing patients without resection resulted in greater adoption of these techniques. Of the 147 patients initially offered non-resection therapy, 13.6% underwent resection during the same admission, none of which died. Most of these occurred early in the audit period, when there was a lower threshold for resection if concerns arose regarding patient progress after non-resectional treatment. More recently, patients have undergone second attempts at non-resection management if the result of the first procedure was under question, and if safe to do so.
We recognise the inherent limitations of our study. Firstly, it is a retrospective cohort, which may be prone to selection bias. Secondly, no standardised treatment protocols existed and therefore allocation to a particular treatment arm may have been confounded. However, in an attempt to address this, a multivariable analysis was performed to identify factors that may have determined the allocation to a particular treatment arm. Lastly, we acknowledge that two distinct pathologies have been included in our study, which may represent a potential confounder. However, in our multivariable analysis of in-hospital mortality, the pathology type was not a predictor. Furthermore, subgroup analysis was performed for each distinct pathology group to allow for more granular consideration of our data.
Attempted colonic preservation strategies do not increase the risk of in-hospital mortality in patients presenting with acute left-sided colonic malignant obstruction and perforated diverticulitis. This approach affords several inherit benefits, and as such should be considered when managing patients with ALSCE. Careful patient selection and procedural experience is pivotal to the success of this approach. In addition, female gender was the only independent predictor of increased risk of in-hospital mortality in our cohort.
Kozman, M.A., Fisher, O.M., Srinath, H. and White, S.I. (2017) Attempted Colonic Preservation Strategies Do Not Increase the Risk of In-Hospital Mortality in Patients Presenting with Acute Left-Sided Colonic Emergencies. Open Journal of Gastroenterology, 7, 316-328. https://doi.org/10.4236/ojgas.2017.712033