Epidemiology and Natural History of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases

http://pic2.cmt.com.cn/WebImages/Res/20121218/20121218_07b349d6-2637-4801-bdbd-4fb2c4b2a867.pdf

Management of Crohn's Disease in Adults

Ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease are the principal forms of inflammatory bowel disease. Both represent chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, which displays heterogeneity in inflammatory and symptomatic burden between patients and within individuals over time. Optimal management relies on understanding and tailoring evidence-based interventions by clinicians in partnership with patients. This guideline for management of inflammatory bowel disease in adults over 16 years of age was developed by Stakeholders representing UK physicians (British Society of Gastroenterology), surgeons (Association of Coloproctology of Great Britain and Ireland), specialist nurses (Royal College of Nursing), paediatricians (British Society of Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition), dietitians (British Dietetic Association), radiologists (British Society of Gastrointestinal and Abdominal Radiology), general practitioners (Primary Care Society for Gastroenterology) and patients (Crohn’s and Colitis UK). A systematic review of 88 247 publications and a Delphi consensus process involving 81 multidisciplinary clinicians and patients was undertaken to develop 168 evidence- and expert opinion-based recommendations for pharmacological, non-pharmacological and surgical interventions, as well as optimal service delivery in the management of both ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. Comprehensive up-to-date guidance is provided regarding indications for, initiation and monitoring of immunosuppressive therapies, nutrition interventions, pre-, peri- and postoperative management, as well as structure and function of the multidisciplinary team and integration between primary and secondary care. Twenty research priorities to inform future clinical management are presented, alongside objective measurement of priority importance, determined by 2379 electronic survey responses from individuals living with ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease, including patients, their families and friends.

https://gut.bmj.com/content/gutjnl/68/Suppl_3/s1.full.pdf

British Society of Gastroenterology consensus guidelines on the management of inflammatory bowel disease in adults

Worldwide, more than 20 million patients undergo groin hernia repair annually. The many different approaches, treatment indications and a significant array of techniques for groin hernia repair warrant guidelines to standardize care, minimize complications, and improve results. The main goal of these guidelines is to improve patient outcomes, specifically to decrease recurrence rates and reduce chronic pain, the most frequent problems following groin hernia repair. They have been endorsed by all five continental hernia societies, the International Endo Hernia Society and the European Association for Endoscopic Surgery. 
An expert group of international surgeons (the HerniaSurge Group) and one anesthesiologist pain expert was formed. The group consisted of members from all continents with specific experience in hernia-related research. Care was taken to include surgeons who perform different types of repair and had preferably performed research on groin hernia surgery. During the Group's first meeting, evidence-based medicine (EBM) training occurred and 166 key questions (KQ) were formulated. EBM rules were followed in complete literature searches (including a complete search by The Dutch Cochrane database) to January 1, 2015 and to July 1, 2015 for level 1 publications. The articles were scored by teams of two or three according to Oxford, SIGN and Grade methodologies. During five 2-day meetings, results were discussed with the working group members leading to 136 statements and 88 recommendations. Recommendations were graded as "strong" (recommendations) or "weak" (suggestions) and by consensus in some cases upgraded. In the Results and summary section below, the term "should" refers to a recommendation. The AGREE II instrument was used to validate the guidelines. An external review was performed by three international experts. They recommended the guidelines with high scores. 
The risk factors for inguinal hernia (IH) include: family history, previous contra-lateral hernia, male gender, age, abnormal collagen metabolism, prostatectomy, and low body mass index. Peri-operative risk factors for recurrence include poor surgical techniques, low surgical volumes, surgical inexperience and local anesthesia. These should be considered when treating IH patients. IH diagnosis can be confirmed by physical examination alone in the vast majority of patients with appropriate signs and symptoms. Rarely, ultrasound is necessary. Less commonly still, a dynamic MRI or CT scan or herniography may be needed. The EHS classification system is suggested to stratify IH patients for tailored treatment, research and audit. Symptomatic groin hernias should be treated surgically. Asymptomatic or minimally symptomatic male IH patients may be managed with "watchful waiting" since their risk of hernia-related emergencies is low. The majority of these individuals will eventually require surgery; therefore, surgical risks and the watchful waiting strategy should be discussed with patients. Surgical treatment should be tailored to the surgeon's expertise, patient- and hernia-related characteristics and local/national resources. Furthermore, patient health-related, life style and social factors should all influence the shared decision-making process leading up to hernia management. Mesh repair is recommended as first choice, either by an open procedure or a laparo-endoscopic repair technique. One standard repair technique for all groin hernias does not exist. It is recommended that surgeons/surgical services provide both anterior and posterior approach options. Lichtenstein and laparo-endoscopic repair are best evaluated. Many other techniques need further evaluation. Provided that resources and expertise are available, laparo-endoscopic techniques have faster recovery times, lower chronic pain risk and are cost effective. There is discussion concerning laparo-endoscopic management of potential bilateral hernias (occult hernia issue). After patient consent, during TAPP, the contra-lateral side should be inspected. This is not suggested during unilateral TEP repair. After appropriate discussions with patients concerning results tissue repair (first choice is the Shouldice technique) can be offered. Day surgery is recommended for the majority of groin hernia repair provided aftercare is organized. Surgeons should be aware of the intrinsic characteristics of the meshes they use. Use of so-called low-weight mesh may have slight short-term benefits like reduced postoperative pain and shorter convalescence, but are not associated with better longer-term outcomes like recurrence and chronic pain. Mesh selection on weight alone is not recommended. The incidence of erosion seems higher with plug versus flat mesh. It is suggested not to use plug repair techniques. The use of other implants to replace the standard flat mesh in the Lichtenstein technique is currently not recommended. In almost all cases, mesh fixation in TEP is unnecessary. In both TEP and TAPP it is recommended to fix mesh in M3 hernias (large medial) to reduce recurrence risk. Antibiotic prophylaxis in average-risk patients in low-risk environments is not recommended in open surgery. In laparo-endoscopic repair it is never recommended. Local anesthesia in open repair has many advantages, and its use is recommended provided the surgeon is experienced in this technique. 
General anesthesia is suggested over regional in patients aged 65 and older as it might be associated with fewer complications like myocardial infarction, pneumonia and thromboembolism. Perioperative field blocks and/or subfascial/subcutaneous infiltrations are recommended in all cases of open repair. Patients are recommended to resume normal activities without restrictions as soon as they feel comfortable. Provided expertise is available, it is suggested that women with groin hernias undergo laparo-endoscopic repair in order to decrease the risk of chronic pain and avoid missing a femoral hernia. Watchful waiting is suggested in pregnant women as groin swelling most often consists of self-limited round ligament varicosities. Timely mesh repair by a laparo-endoscopic approach is suggested for femoral hernias provided expertise is available. All complications of groin hernia management are discussed in an extensive chapter on the topic. Overall, the incidence of clinically significant chronic pain is in the 10-12% range, decreasing over time. Debilitating chronic pain affecting normal daily activities or work ranges from 0.5 to 6%. Chronic postoperative inguinal pain (CPIP) is defined as bothersome moderate pain impacting daily activities lasting at least 3 months postoperatively and decreasing over time. CPIP risk factors include: young age, female gender, high preoperative pain, early high postoperative pain, recurrent hernia and open repair. For CPIP the focus should be on nerve recognition in open surgery and, in selected cases, prophylactic pragmatic nerve resection (planned resection is not suggested). It is suggested that CPIP management be performed by multi-disciplinary teams. It is also suggested that CPIP be managed by a combination of pharmacological and interventional measures and, if this is unsuccessful, followed by, in selected cases (triple) neurectomy and (in selected cases) mesh removal. For recurrent hernia after anterior repair, posterior repair is recommended. If recurrence occurs after a posterior repair, an anterior repair is recommended. After a failed anterior and posterior approach, management by a specialist hernia surgeon is recommended. Risk factors for hernia incarceration/strangulation include: female gender, femoral hernia and a history of hospitalization related to groin hernia. It is suggested that treatment of emergencies be tailored according to patient- and hernia-related factors, local expertise and resources. Learning curves vary between different techniques. Probably about 100 supervised laparo-endoscopic repairs are needed to achieve the same results as open mesh surgery like Lichtenstein. It is suggested that case load per surgeon is more important than center volume. It is recommended that minimum requirements be developed to certify individuals as expert hernia surgeon. The same is true for the designation "Hernia Center". From a cost-effectiveness perspective, day-case laparoscopic IH repair with minimal use of disposables is recommended. The development and implementation of national groin hernia registries in every country (or region, in the case of small country populations) is suggested. They should include patient follow-up data and account for local healthcare structures. A dissemination and implementation plan of the guidelines will be developed by global (HerniaSurge), regional (international societies) and local (national chapters) initiatives through internet websites, social media and smartphone apps. 
An overarching plan to improve access to safe IH surgery in low-resource settings (LRSs) is needed. It is suggested that this plan contains simple guidelines and a sustainability strategy, independent of international aid. It is suggested that in LRSs the focus be on performing high-volume Lichtenstein repair under local anesthesia using low-cost mesh. Three chapters discuss future research, guidelines for general practitioners and guidelines for patients. 
The HerniaSurge Group has developed these extensive and inclusive guidelines for the management of adult groin hernia patients. It is hoped that they will lead to better outcomes for groin hernia patients wherever they live. More knowledge, better training, national audit and specialization in groin hernia management will standardize care for these patients, lead to more effective and efficient healthcare and provide direction for future research.

/pdf/international-guidelines-for-groin-hernia-management-3otlldvdxc.pdf

International guidelines for groin hernia management

Principal changes with respect to the 2004 ECCO guidelines 

Ileocolonoscopy is recommended within the first year after surgery where treatment decisions may be affected (Statement 8C).

Thiopurines are more effective than mesalazine or imidazole antibiotics alone in post-operative prophylaxis (Statement 8F).

### 8.1 Epidemiology of post-operative Crohn's disease

In the natural history of CD, intestinal resection is almost unavoidable since about 80% of patients require surgery at some stage. Surgery is unfortunately not curative as the disease inexorably recurs in many patients. The post-operative recurrence rate varies according to the definition used: clinical, endoscopic, radiological, or surgical. It is lowest when the repeat resection rate is considered, intermediate when clinical indices are used and highest when endoscopy is employed as the diagnostic tool.1–10

Data from endoscopic follow-up of patients after resection of ileo-caecal disease have shown that in the absence of treatment, the post-operative recurrence rate is around 65–90% within 12 months and 80–100% within 3 years of the operation. The clinical recurrence without therapy is about 20–25%/year.1,10 It has been demonstrated that the post-operative clinical course of CD is best predicted by the severity of endoscopic lesions. Symptoms, in fact, appear only when severe lesions are present and it is not uncommon to observe patients with fairly advanced recurrent lesions at endoscopy who remain asymptomatic.1 For these reasons, clinical indices such as the CDAI have low sensitivity at discriminating between patients with or without post-operative recurrence.11

These data mandate strategies aimed at interrupting or delaying the natural course of post-operative recurrence. Several medications have been tried in an attempt to prevent post-operative recurrence, mostly with disappointing results. The aim of this Consensus was therefore critically to evaluate the optimal strategies for the management of post-operative recurrence in CD. Most, if not all, of the evidence available deals with …

/pdf/the-second-european-evidence-based-consensus-on-the-430j75rc37.pdf

The second European evidence-based Consensus on the diagnosis and management of Crohn's disease: Special situations

Forty two Crohn's disease patients were followed up after ileocolic resection with regard to symptoms and endoscopic appearance of the ileocolic anastomosis. Twenty eight patients resected because of colonic neoplasm served as controls. In all the Crohn's disease patients the ileal resection margin was disease free macroscopically at operation. In addition, intraoperative ileoscopy was performed in 13 and no sign of residual inflammation in the neoterminal ileum was seen. Endoscopy soon after surgery often showed preanastomotic ileal ulceration before symptoms appeared, whereas no anastomotic lesions were observed in the controls. Thus, 22 of 30 Crohn's disease patients examined had ulceration of the anastomotic area after three months, but only 10 had developed symptoms indicating relapse (73 v 33%). Corresponding figures in the 30 patients examined after one year were 93 v 37%, and in 14 patients after three years they were 100 and 86% respectively. The inflammatory lesions in all cases were preanastomotic, in the neoterminal ileum, and showed time related progression from aphthae to larger ulcers and stricture. The study suggests that endoscopically observed inflammatory lesions that appear soon after ileocolic resection for Crohn's disease signify new inflammation and not residual, persistent disease or incomplete anastomotic healing. The data further suggest that despite clinical remission after apparently radical intestinal resection, the bowel is permanently inflamed in Crohn's disease.

https://gut.bmj.com/content/gutjnl/33/3/331.full.pdf

Natural course of Crohn's disease after ileocolic resection: endoscopically visualised ileal ulcers preceding symptoms.

But: Comparer les suites et le cout des cures de hernies sous coelioscopie et a ciel ouvert. Type d'etude: Prospective, randomisee. Provenance: Hopital universitaire, Suede. Patients: Deux cent hommes âges de 25 a 75 ans. Principaux criteres de jugement: La duree de l'intervention, la duree d'hospitalisation, les complications et la duree de la convalescence. Une analyse controle du cout a ete utilisee dans laquelle les couts totaux ont ete calcules sur une periode definie pour chaque type d'intervention. Resultats: Quatre-vingt dix-huit pour cent des patients ont ete suivis a un an. Les durees moyennes (ET) d'intervention dans les groupes coelioscopie et a ciel ouvert ont ete respectivement de 72 (30) et de 62 (25) minutes (p = 0,009). La duree d'hospitalisation et le taux de complication n'etaient pas differents entre les deux groupes. Parmi les patients qui avaient une activite professionnelle, la duree moyenne (ET) de l'arret de travail dans les groupes coelioscopie et a ciel ouvert ont ete respectivement de 10 (8) et de 23 (21) jours (p = 0,0001). Le cout direct moyen des interventions menees sous coelioscopie etait plus eleve (SEK 4037 ou 33708.95 US$) mais l'economie realisee sur le cout indirect par le delai plus court avant la reprise de travail etait de SEK 11392 (95123.2 US$). Conclusions: La cure de hernie sous coelioscopie permet aux patients qui ont une activite professionnelle un plus prompt retablissement et une reprise plus precoce de leur activite, et represente la technique la plus economique lorsque sont pris en consideration a la fois les couts direct et indirect.

Surgical outcome and cost-minimisation-analyses of laparoscopic and open hernia repair: a randomised prospective trial with one year follow up.

Laparoscopic hernia surgery was introduced in this unit in May 1992. Up to November 1995, 426 patients with 491 inguinal and femoral hernias have undergone surgery. A transabdominal preperitoneal (TAPP) approach was used in 339 patients with 393 hernias. After June 1994 a totally extraperitoneal (TEP) technique was used in 87 patients with 98 hernias. This prospective nonrandomized study deals with the learning curve, complications, and early results. The mean (SD) follow-up times in the TAPP and TEP groups were 23 (9) and 7 (4) months, respectively. Mean operating times and hospital stays did not differ between the TAPP and TEP patients, but the period off work was shorter in the TEP group. Fifteen major complications, including one postoperative death, two bowel obstructions, one severe neuralgia, three trocar hernias, one epigastric artery bleeding episode, and seven recurrences, were recorded; all except one was in the TAPP group. The TEP operation may be the method of choice in laparoscopic hernia surgery.

Transperitoneal or totally extraperitoneal approach in laparoscopic hernia repair: results of 491 consecutive herniorrhaphies.

Intraoperative small bowel endoscopy was performed on 33 occasions in 31 patients with Crohn's disease. The extent of mucosal inflammation was compared with that of changes in the external bowel wall: serositis, fat-wrapping and mural thickening. The influence of endoscopic findings on surgical management was evaluated. Mucosal inflammation was generally more extensive than serositis (P < 0.01), but less so than mural thickening (P < 0.001). The extent of fat-wrapping did not differ from that of mucositis. Of 23 patients undergoing reoperation or with fistula or abscess, however, eight had serositis and/or fat-wrapping in bowel segments without mucosal inflammation. Endoscopic findings influenced surgical decisions on 20 of the 33 occasions, limiting planned resection in 14, identifying strictures for repair in one, and deciding against resection in two cases and for extended resection in three. These results suggest that external inflammatory changes are unreliable guides to the extent of intestinal mucositis and requirements for resection in Crohn's disease. By visualizing the mucosa, intraoperative enteroscopy can provide information for more precise surgery, thereby limiting resection.

Intraoperative enteroscopy in Crohn's disease.

Background: The purpose of this report was to describe a simple technique suitable for polyps where circumstances of the bowel anatomy prevent complete access and control of the colonoscopic procedure. Methods: By combining laparoscopic mobilization of the bowel with colonoscopic polypectomy, previously inaccessible polyps could be snared in two patients. Results: Both patients had 3-cm large sessile adenomas in the sigmoid colon safely removed, and they returned home within a day. Conclusions: The described procedure increases the safety of the otherwise difficult polypectomy and also avoids laparotomy with enterotomy or bowel resection as the alternative.

K. Smedh

Papers

Natural course of Crohn's disease after ileocolic resection: endoscopically visualised ileal ulcers preceding symptoms.

Surgical outcome and cost-minimisation-analyses of laparoscopic and open hernia repair: a randomised prospective trial with one year follow up.

Transperitoneal or totally extraperitoneal approach in laparoscopic hernia repair: results of 491 consecutive herniorrhaphies.

Intraoperative enteroscopy in Crohn's disease.

Laparoscopic bowel mobilization combined with intraoperative colonoscopic polypectomy in patients with an inaccessible polyp of the colon.