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PURPOSE: Anterior resection is the procedure of choice for tumours in the mid and upper rectum. Depending on tumour height, a total mesorectal excision (TME) or partial mesorectal excision (PME) can be performed. Low anastomoses in particular have a high risk of developing anastomotic leakage, which might be explained by blood perfusion compromise. A pilot study indicated a worse blood flow in TME patients in an open setting. The aim of this study was to further evaluate perianastomotic blood perfusion changes in relation to TME and PME in a predominantly laparoscopic context.

METHOD: In this prospective cohort study, laser Doppler flowmetry was used to evaluate the perianastomotic colonic and rectal perfusion before and after surgery. The two surgical techniques were compared in terms of mean differences of perfusion units using a repeated measures ANOVA design, which also enabled interaction analyses between type of mesorectal excision and location of measurement. Anastomotic leakage until 90 days after surgery was reported for descriptive purposes.

RESULTS: Some 28 patients were available for analysis: 17 TME and 11 PME patients. TME patients had a reduced blood perfusion postoperatively compared to PME patients in the aboral posterior area (mean difference: -57 vs 18 perfusion units; p = 0.010). An interaction between mesorectal excision type and anterior/posterior location was detected at the aboral level (p = 0.007). Two patients developed a minor leakage, diagnosed after discharge.

CONCLUSION: Patients operated on using TME have a decreased blood flow in the aboral posterior quadrant of the rectum postoperatively compared to patients operated on using PME. This might explain differing rates of anastomotic leakage.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02401100.

BACKGROUND: A permanent stoma after anterior resection for rectal cancer is common. Preoperative counselling could be improved by providing individualized accurate prediction modelling.

METHODS: Patients who underwent anterior resection between 2007 and 2015 were identified from the Swedish Colorectal Cancer Registry. National Patient Registry data were added to determine presence of a stoma 2 years after surgery. A training set based on the years 2007-2013 was employed in an ensemble of prediction models. Judged by the area under the receiving operating characteristic curve (AUROC), data from the years 2014-2015 were used to evaluate the predictive ability of all models. The best performing model was subsequently implemented in typical clinical scenarios and in an online calculator to predict the permanent stoma risk.

RESULTS: Patients in the training set (n = 3512) and the test set (n = 1136) had similar permanent stoma rates (13.6 and 15.2 per cent). The logistic regression model with a forward/backward procedure was the most parsimonious among several similarly performing models (AUROC 0.67, 95 per cent c.i. 0.63 to 0.72). Key predictors included co-morbidity, local tumour category, presence of metastasis, neoadjuvant therapy, defunctioning stoma use, tumour height, and hospital volume; the interaction between age and metastasis was also predictive.

CONCLUSION: Using routinely available preoperative data, the stoma outcome at 2 years after anterior resection for rectal cancer can be predicted fairly accurately.

Aim: Controversy still exists as to whether division of the inferior mesenteric artery close to the aorta influences the risk of anastomotic leakage after anterior resection for rectal cancer. This population-based study was carried out to evaluate the independent association between high arterial ligation and anastomotic leakage in patients with increased cardiovascular risk.

Method: All 2673 cases of registered anterior resection for rectal cancer from 2007 to 2010 were identified from the Swedish Colorectal Cancer Registry and cross-referenced with the Prescribed Drugs Registry, rendering a cohort of all patients with increased cardiovascular risk. Operative charts and registered data were reviewed for 722 patients. The association between high tie and anastomotic leakage, as quantified by ORs and 95% CIs, was evaluated in a logistic regression model, with adjustment for confounding, including assessment of interaction.

Results: Symptomatic anastomotic leakage occurred in 12.3% (41/334) of patients in the high tie group and in 10.6% (41/388) in the low tie group. The use of high tie was not independently associated with a higher risk of anastomotic leakage (OR = 1.05; 95% CI: 0.61–1.84). In a post-hoc analysis, patients with a history of manifest cardiovascular disease and American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score III–IV seemed to be at greater risk (OR = 3.66; 95% CI: 1.04–12.85).

Conclusion: In the present population-based, observational setting, high tie was not independently associated with an increased risk of symptomatic anastomotic leakage after anterior resection for rectal cancer. However, this conclusion may not hold for patients with severe cardiovascular disease.

Background: Anastomotic leakage following anterior resection for rectal cancer may result in death. The aim of this study was to yield an updated, population‐based estimate of postoperative mortality and evaluate possible interacting factors.

Methods: This was a retrospective national cohort study of patients who underwent anterior resection between 2007 and 2016. Data were retrieved from a prospectively developed database. Anastomotic leakage constituted exposure, whereas outcome was defined as death within 90 days of surgery. Logistic regression analyses, using directed acyclic graphs to evaluate possible confounders, were performed, including interaction analyses.

Results: Of 6948 patients, 693 (10·0 per cent) experienced anastomotic leakage and 294 (4·2 per cent) underwent reintervention due to leakage. The mortality rate was 1·5 per cent in patients without leakage and 3·9 per cent in those with leakage. In multivariable analysis, leakage was associated with increased mortality only when a reintervention was performed (odds ratio (OR) 5·57, 95 per cent c.i. 3·29 to 9·44). Leaks not necessitating reintervention did not result in increased mortality (OR 0·70, 0·25 to 1·96). There was evidence of interaction between leakage and age on a multiplicative scale (P = 0·007), leading to a substantial mortality increase in elderly patients with leakage.

Conclusion: Anastomotic leakage, in particular severe leakage, led to a significant increase in 90‐day mortality, with a more pronounced risk of death in the elderly.

ABSTRACT Background. The level of arterial ligation has been a variable of the Swedish Colorectal Cancer Registry since 2007. The aim of this study is to evaluate the accuracy of this registry variable in relation to anterior resection for rectal cancer. Methods. The operative charts of all cardiovascularly compromised patients who underwent anterior resection during the period 2007-2010 in Sweden were retrieved and compared to the registry. We selected the study population to reflect the common assumption that these patients would be more sensitive to a compromised visceral blood flow. Levels of vascular ligation were defined, both oncologically and functionally, and their sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, level of agreement and Cohen's kappa were calculated. Results. Some 744 (94.5%) patients were eligible for analysis. Functional high tie level showed a sensitivity of 80.2% and a specificity of 90.1%. Positive and negative predictive values were 87.7 and 83.8%, respectively. Level of agreement was 85.5% and Cohen's kappa 0.70. The corresponding calculations for oncologic tie level yielded similar results. Conclusion. The suboptimal validity of the Swedish Colorectal Cancer Registry regarding the level of vascular ligation might be problematic. For analyses with rare positive outcomes, such bowel ischaemia, or with minor expected differences in outcomes, it would be beneficial to collect data directly from the operative charts of the medical records in order to increase the chance of identifying clinically relevant differences.

BACKGROUND: Four liters or more of orally taken polyethylene glycol solution (PEG) has proved to be an effective large-bowel cleansing method prior to colonoscopy. The problem has been the large volume of fluid and its taste, which is unacceptable to some examinees. We aimed to investigate the effectiveness of 2 l PEG combined with senna compared with 4 l PEG for bowel preparation.

METHODS: The design was a single-center, prospective, randomized, investigator-blinded study with parallel assignment, in the setting of the Endoscopy Unit of Umeå University Hospital. Outpatients (n = 490) scheduled for colonoscopy were enrolled. The standard-volume arm received 4 l PEG, and the low-volume arm received 36 mg senna glycosides in tablets and 2 l PEG. The cleansing result (primary endpoint) was assessed by the endoscopist using the Ottawa score. The patients rated the subjective grade of ease of taking the bowel preparation. Analysis was on an intention-to-treat basis.

RESULTS: There were significantly more cases with poor or inadequate bowel cleansing after the low-volume alternative with senna and 2 l PEG (22/203) compared with after 4 l PEG (8/196, p = 0.027). The low-volume alternative was better tolerated by the examinees: 119/231 rated the treatment as easy to take compared with 88/238 in the 4 l PEG arm (p = 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS: 4 l PEG treatment is better than 36 mg senna and 2 l PEG as routine colonic cleansing before colonoscopy because of fewer failures.

The oncological outcome of the operation was acceptable, but functional drawbacks must be considered preoperatively in counseling the patient. More research is needed to find ways to preserve better function and well-being.

BACKGROUND: There are several surgical options for the management of pilonidal disease, including midline and off midline closure, but prospective studies are rare. The study hypothesis was that Karydakis flap surgery would result in shorter wound healing and fewer recurrences than excision of pilonidal sinus and suture in the midline.

METHODS: A randomized clinical trial was conducted in two hospitals in Sweden between 2006 and 2015 to compare excision and suture in the midline with Karydakis flap surgery. Adult patients with a chronic pilonidal sinus disease were randomized 1:1 at the outpatient clinic without blinding. Power calculation based on recurrence of 2 per cent for Karydakis flap and 10 per cent for excision and primary closure in the midline required 400 patients with 90 per cent statistical power at 5 per cent significance assuming 10 per cent loss during follow-up. Participants were followed up until complete wound healing; late follow-up after 6-13 years was performed by telephone by two blinded assessors. The two co-primary outcomes were time to complete wound healing and recurrence rate.

RESULTS: The study was terminated early at a planned interim analysis due slow recruitment and a significant difference in primary outcome. In total, 125 patients were randomized, of whom 116 were available for the present analysis. Median wound healing time was 49 days (95 per cent confidence interval (c.i.) 32 to 66) for excision with suture in the midline and 14 days (95 per cent c.i. 12 to 20) for Karydakis flap surgery (P < 0.001). There were five recurrences in each group, after a median follow-up of 11 years (P = 0.753).

CONCLUSION: Karydakis flap surgery for pilonidal sinus disease led to a shorter wound healing time than excision and suture in the midline but no difference in recurrence rates.Registration number: NCT00412659 (http://www.clinicaltrials.gov).

Background: A permanent stoma after anterior resection for rectal cancer is common. Nationwide registries provide sufficient power to evaluate factors influencing this phenomenon, but validation is required to ensure the quality of registry-based stoma outcomes.

Methods: Patients who underwent anterior resection for rectal cancer in the Northern healthcare region of Sweden between 1 January 2007 and 31 December 2013 were reviewed by medical records and followed until 31 December 2014 with regard to stoma outcome. A registry-based method to determine nationwide long-term stoma outcomes, using data from the National Patient Registry and the Swedish Colorectal Cancer Registry, was developed and internally validated using the chart reviewed reference cohort. Accuracy was evaluated with positive and negative predictive values and Kappa values. Following validation, the stoma outcome in all patients treated with an anterior resection for rectal cancer in Sweden during the study period was estimated. Possible regional differences in determined stoma outcomes between the six Swedish healthcare regions were subsequently evaluated with the χ² test.

Results: With 312 chart reviewed patients as reference, stoma outcome was accurately predicted through the registry-based method in 299 cases (95.8%), with a positive predictive value of 85.1% (95% CI 75.8%-91.8%), and a negative predictive value of 100.0% (95% CI 98.4%-100.0%), while the Kappa value was 0.89 (95% CI 0.82-0.95). In Sweden, 4768 patients underwent anterior resection during the study period, of which 942 (19.8%) were determined to have a permanent stoma. The stoma rate varied regionally between 17.8-29.2%, to a statistically significant degree (p = .001).

Conclusion: Using data from two national registries to determine long-term stoma outcome after anterior resection for rectal cancer proved to be reliable in comparison to chart review. Permanent stoma prevalence after such surgery remains at a significant level, while stoma outcomes vary substantially between different healthcare regions in Sweden.

Aim: To investigate the conflicting consequences of faecal diversion on stoma outcomes and anastomotic leakage in anterior resection for rectal cancer, including interaction effects determined by the extent of mesorectal excision.

Method: Anterior resections between 2007 and 2016 were identified using the Swedish Colorectal Cancer Registry. National Patient Registry data were added to determine stoma outcome 2 years after surgery. Tumour distance from the anal verge constituted a proxy for extent of mesorectal excision [total mesorectal excision (TME): ≤10 cm; partial mesorectal excision (PME): 13–15 cm]. With confounder-adjusted probit regression, the total effect of defunctioning stoma on permanent stoma, and the interaction effect of extent of mesorectal excision, were estimated together with the indirect effect through anastomotic leakage. Baseline risks, risk differences (RDs) and relative risks (RRs) were reported.

Results: The main study cohort included 4529 patients. Defunctioning stomas influenced the absolute permanent stoma risk (TME: RD 0.11 [95% CI 0.09–0.13]; PME: RD 0.15 [95% CI 0.13–0.16]). The baseline risk was higher in TME, with a resulting greater RR in PME (2.23 [95% CI 1.43–3.02] vs 4.36 [95% CI 3.05–5.68]). The indirect reduction in permanent stoma rates, due to the alleviating effect of faecal diversion on anastomotic leakage, was small (TME: 0.89 [95% CI 0.81–0.96]; PME: 0.96 [95% CI 0.91–1.00]).

Conclusion: In anterior resection for rectal cancer, defunctioning stomas may reduce chances of a stoma-free outcome. Considering leakage reduction benefits, consequences of routine diversion in TME might be fairly balanced, while this seems questionable in PME.

AIM: Fashioning a defunctioning stoma is common when performing an anterior resection for rectal cancer in order to avoid and mitigate the consequences of an anastomotic leakage. We investigated the permanent stoma prevalence, factors influencing stoma outcome and complication rates following stoma reversal surgery.

METHOD: Patients who had undergone an anterior resection for rectal cancer between 2007 and 2013 in the northern healthcare region were identified using the Swedish Colorectal Cancer Registry and were followed until the end of 2014 regarding stoma outcome. Data were retrieved by a review of medical records. Multiple logistic regression was used to evaluate predefined risk factors for stoma permanence. Risk factors for non-reversal of a defunctioning stoma were also analysed, using Cox proportional-hazards regression.

RESULTS: A total of 316 patients who underwent anterior resection were included, of whom 274 (87%) were defunctioned primarily. At the end of the follow-up period 24% had a permanent stoma, and 9% of patients who underwent reversal of a stoma experienced major complications requiring a return to theatre, need for intensive care or mortality. Anastomotic leakage and tumour Stage IV were significant risk factors for stoma permanence. In this series, partial mesorectal excision correlated with a stoma-free outcome. Non-reversal was considerably more prevalent among patients with leakage and Stage IV; Stage III patients at first had a decreased reversal rate, which increased after the initial year of surgery.

CONCLUSION: Stoma permanence is common after anterior resection, while anastomotic leakage and advanced tumour stage decrease the chances of a stoma-free outcome. Stoma reversal surgery entails a significant risk of major complications.

Aim Previous research indicates that high tie of the inferior mesenteric artery during anterior resection for rectal cancer might be associated with an increased risk of postoperative functional disturbances. The goal of this population-based retrospective cohort study was to further investigate that association.

Method Patients who underwent anterior resection for rectal cancer from April 2011 to September 2012 were identified through the Swedish Colorectal Cancer Registry. Bowel and urogenital function were assessed by a postal questionnaire 2 years after surgery. Information on the level of mesenteric tie and clinical variables was retrieved from the registry. The outcome was defined as any defaecatory, urinary or sexual dysfunction as reported by the patient. The association between high tie and the outcome was evaluated with multivariable logistic and linear regression with adjustment for confounders, such as sex, body mass index, comorbidity and preoperative radiation.

Results With a response rate of 86%, 805 patients were included in the study. Of these, 46% were operated with high tie. After adjustment for confounders, high tie did not affect the risk of faecal incontinence (OR 0.85; 95% CI 0.59-1.22), urinary incontinence (OR 0.94; 95% CI 0.63-1.41) or various aspects of sexual dysfunction (erectile dysfunction, anejaculation, dyspareunia and coital vaginal dryness). However, an association between high tie and defaecation at night was detected (OR 1.44; 95% CI 1.02-2.03).

Conclusion This study does not support that the level of vascular tie influences the risk of major defaecatory, urinary or sexual disturbances 2 years after anterior resection for rectal cancer.

Objective: To analyze mortality following groin hernia operations.

Summary Background Data: It is well known that the incidence of groin hernia in men exceeds the incidence in women by a factor of 10. However, gender differences in mortality following groin hernia surgery have not been explored in detail.

Methods: The study comprises all patients 15 years or older who underwent groin hernia repair between January 1, 1992 and December 31, 2005 at units participating in the Swedish Hernia Register (SHR). Postoperative mortality was defined as standardized mortality ratio (SMR) within 30 days, ie, observed deaths of operated patients over expected deaths considering age and gender of the population in Sweden.

Results: A total of 107,838 groin hernia repairs (103,710 operations), were recorded prospectively. Of 104,911 inguinal hernias, 5280 (5.1%) were treated emergently, as compared with 1068 (36.5%) of 2927 femoral hernias. Femoral hernia operations comprised 1.1% of groin hernia operations on men and 22.4% of operations on women. After femoral hernia operation, the mortality risk was increased 7-fold for both men and women. Mortality risk was not raised above that of the background population for elective groin hernia repair, but it was increased 7-fold after emergency operations and 20-fold if bowel resection was undertaken. Overall SMR was 1.4 (95% confidence interval, 1.2-1.6) for men and 4.2 (95% confidence interval, 3.2-5.4) for women, in accordance with a greater proportion of emergency operations among women compared with men, 17.0%, versus 5.1%.

Conclusions: Mortality risk following elective hernia repair is low, even at high age. An emergency operation for groin hernia carries a substantial mortality risk. After groin hernia repair, women have a higher mortality risk than men due to a greater risk for emergency procedure irrespective of hernia anatomy and a greater proportion of femoral hernia.

Background: Several randomized clinical trials have compared laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) and small-incision open cholecystectomy (SIOC). Most have had wide exclusion criteria and none was expertise-based. The aim of this expertise-based randomized trial was to compare healthcare costs, quality of life (QoL), pain and clinical outcomes after LC and SIOC. Methods: Patients scheduled for cholecystectomy were randomized to treatment by one of two teams of surgeons with a preference for either LC or SIOC. Each team performed their specific method (SIOC or LC) as a first-choice operation, but converted to open cholecystectomy and common bile duct exploration when necessary. Intraoperative cholangiography was carried out routinely. The intention was to include all patients undergoing cholecystectomy, including emergency operations and procedures involving surgical training for residents. Results: Some 74.9 per cent of all patients undergoing cholecystectomy were included. Of 355 patients randomized, 333 were analysed. Self-estimated QoL scores in 258 patients, analysed by the area under the curve method, were significantly lower in the SIOC group at 1 month after surgery: median 2326 (95 per cent confidence interval 2187 to 2391) compared with 2411 (2334 to 2502) for the LC group (P = 0.030). The mean(s.d.) duration of operation was shorter for SIOC: 97(41) versus 120(48) min (P < 0.001). There were no significant differences between the groups in conversion rate, pain, complications, length of hospital stay or readmissions. Conclusion: SIOC had comparable surgical results but slightly worse short-term QoL compared with LC. Registration number: NCT00370344 (http://www.clinicaltrials.gov).

Background: Health care providers need solid evidence based data on cost differences between alternative surgical procedures for common surgical disorders. We aimed to compare small-incision open cholecystectomy (SIOC) and laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) concerning costs and health-related quality of life using data from an expertise-based randomised controlled trial. Methods: Patients scheduled for cholecystectomy were assigned to undergo LC or SIOC performed by surgeons in two different expert groups. Total costs were calculated in USD. Reusable instruments were assumed for the cost analysis. Quality of life was measured using the EuroQol 5-D 3-L (EQ 5-D-3L), at five postoperative time points and calculated to Area Under Curve (AUC) for 1 year postoperatively. Two hospitals participated in the trial, which included both emergency and elective surgery. Results: Of 477 patients that underwent a cholecystectomy during the study period, 355 (74.9%) were randomised and 323 analysed, 172 LC and 151 SIOC patients. Both direct and total costs were less for SIOC than for LC patients. The total costs were 5429 (4293-6932) USD for LC and 4636 (3905-5746) USD for SIOC, P = 0.001. The quality of life index did not differ between the LC and SIOC groups at any time. Median values (25th and 75th percentiles (p25-p75)) for AUC at 1 year were as follows: 349 (337-351) for LC and 349 (338-350) for SIOC. Conclusions: In this expertise-based randomised controlled trial LC was a more costly procedure and quality of life did not differ after SIOC and LC. (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT00370344, August 30, 2006).

Background: Epidemiological data on characteristics of patients undergoing open or laparoscopic cholecystectomy are limited. In this register study we examined characteristics and mortality of patients who underwent cholecystectomy during hospital stay in Sweden 2000 – 2003.

Methods: Hospital discharge and death certificate data were linked for all patients undergoing cholecystectomy in Sweden from January 1^st 2000 through December 31^st 2003. Mortality risk was calculated as standardised mortality ratio (SMR) i.e. observed over expected deaths considering age and gender of the background population.

Results: During the four years of the study 43072 patients underwent cholecystectomy for benign biliary disease, 31144 (72%) using a laparoscopic technique and 11928 patients (28%) an open procedure (including conversion from laparoscopy). Patients with open cholecystectomy were older than patients with laparoscopic cholecystectomy (59 vs 49 years, p < 0.001), they were more likely to have been admitted to hospital during the year preceding cholecystectomy, and they had more frequently been admitted acutely for cholecystectomy (57% Vs 21%, p < 0.001). The proportion of women was lower in the open cholecystectomy group compared to the laparoscopic group (57% vs 73%, p < 0.001). Hospital stay was 7.9 (8.9) days, mean (SD), for patients with open cholecystectomy and 2.6 (3.3) days for patients with laparoscopic cholecystectomy, p < 0.001. SMR within 90 days of index admission was 3.89 (3.41–4.41) (mean and 95% CI), for patients with open cholecystectomy and 0.73 (0.52–1.01) for patients with laparoscopic cholecystectomy. During this period biliary disease accounted for one third of all deaths in both groups. From 91 to 365 days after index admission, SMR for patients in the open group was 1.01 (0.87–1.16) and for patients in the laparoscopic group 0.56 (0.44–0.69).

Conclusion: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is performed on patients having a lower mortality risk than the general Swedish population. Patients with open cholecystectomy are more sick than patients with laparoscopic cholecystectomy, and they have a mortality risk within 90 days of admission for cholecystectomy, which is four times that of the general population. Further efforts to reduce surgical trauma in open biliary surgery are motivated.

Purpose A diverting stoma is commonly used to reduce the risk of anastomotic leakage when performing total mesorectal excision (TME) in anterior resection for rectal cancer. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of fecal diversion in relation to partial mesorectal excision (PME).

Methods A retrospective analysis was undertaken on a national cohort, originally created to study the impact of central arterial ligation on patients with increased cardiovascular risk. Some 741 patients operated with anterior resection for rectal cancer during the years 2007 through 2010 were followed up for 53 months. Multivariate logistic regression was used to evaluate the impact of diverting stoma on the risk of anastomotic leakage and permanent stoma, expressed as odds ratios (ORs) and 95 % confidence intervals (CIs).

Results The risk of anastomotic leakage was increased in TME surgery when not using a diverting stoma (OR 5.1; 95 % CI 2.2-11.6), while the corresponding risk increase in PME patients was modest (OR 1.8; 95 % CI 0.8-4.0). At study completion or death, 26 and 13 % of TME and PME patients, respectively, had a permanent stoma. A diverting stoma was a statistically significant risk factor for a permanent stoma in PME patients (OR 4.7; 95 % CI 2.5-9.0), while less important in TME patients (OR 1.8; 95 % CI 0.6-5.5).

Conclusion The benefit of a diverting stoma concerning anastomotic leakage in this patient group seems doubtful. Moreover, the diverting stoma itself may contribute to the high rate of permanent stomas.

PURPOSE: There is a paucity of high-quality evidence concerning mesh choice in open inguinal hernia repair. Using an expertise-based randomized clinical trial design, we aimed to evaluate the postoperative impact of two different mesh types on pain and discomfort, quality of life and sex life.

METHODS: , ULTRAPRO™, Ethicon). Follow-up data were collected by questionnaires and outpatient visits in the range of 1-3 years after surgery.

RESULTS: Some 412 patients were randomized and 363 patients were analysed. There was no difference in pain between groups after surgery but a statistically significant difference concerning awareness of a groin lump and groin discomfort, favouring the lightweight group 1 year after surgery. No differences in quality of life between groups could be detected but both groups had a substantially better quality of life postoperatively, as compared to before surgery. In the analysis of impact on sex life, no differences between mesh groups were found.

CONCLUSION: The Lichtenstein operation performed for primary inguinal hernia improves quality of life for most of the male patients, independently of the type of mesh used. The lightweight mesh group experienced less awareness of a groin lump and groin discomfort 1 year postoperatively. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT00451893.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Impaired blood perfusion may be implicated in anastomotic leakage after anterior resection for rectal cancer. We investigated whether high ligation of the inferior mesenteric artery or total mesorectal excision compromises visceral blood flow in the colonic limb and the rectal stump, respectively.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: A prospective cohort study was conducted in a university hospital setting. We used Laser Doppler flowmetry to evaluate the impact of level of tie on colonic limb perfusion and the extent of the mesorectal excision on the rectal blood flow. In the rectum, different quadrants were also assessed. The Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare mean blood flow ratios between groups.

RESULTS: Some 23 patients were recruited in a convenience sample during a period in 2012-2013. The mean blood flow ratio was not decreased after high tie compared to low tie surgery (1.71 vs 1.19; p = 0.28). Total mesorectal excision reduced the mean blood flow ratio in the rectum, as compared with partial mesorectal excision (0.76 vs 1.28; p = 0.14). This was especially pronounced in the posterior aspect of the rectum (0.66 vs 1.68; p = 0.02).

CONCLUSION: High tie ligation did not seem to decrease colonic limb perfusion, while total mesorectal excision may decrease rectal blood flow. The posterior quadrant of the rectum might be particularly vulnerable to the dissection involved in total mesorectal excision.

BACKGROUND: There is a shortage of high-quality studies regarding choice of mesh in open anterior inguinal hernia repair in relation to long-term chronic pain. The authors hypothesized that heavyweight compared with lightweight mesh causes increased postoperative pain.

METHODS: An RCT was undertaken between 2007 and 2009 at two sites in Sweden. Men aged 25 years or older with an inguinal hernia evaluated in the outpatient clinic were randomized in an unblinded fashion to heavyweight or lightweight mesh for open anterior inguinal hernia repair. Data on pain affecting daily activities, as measured by the Short-Form Inguinal Pain Questionnaire 9-12 years after surgery, were collected as the primary outcome. Differences between groups were evaluated by generalized odds and numbers needed to treat.

RESULTS: A total of 412 patients were randomized; 363 were analysed with 320 questionnaires sent out. A total of 271 questionnaires (84.7 per cent) were returned; of these, 121 and 150 patients were in the heavyweight and lightweight mesh groups respectively. Pain affecting daily activities was more pronounced in patients randomized to heavyweight versus lightweight mesh (generalized odds 1.33, 95 per cent c.i. 1.10 to 1.61). This translated into a number needed to treat of 7.06 (95 per cent c.i. 4.28 to 21.44). Two reoperations for recurrence were noted in the heavyweight mesh group, and one in the lightweight mesh group.

CONCLUSION: A large-pore lightweight mesh causes significantly less pain affecting daily activities a decade after open anterior inguinal hernia repair. Registration number: NCT00451893 (http://www.clinicaltrials.gov).

Introduction: Different surgical techniques are used to cover the defect in the floor of the lesser pelvis after an ‘extralevator’ or ‘extended’ abdominoperineal excision for advanced rectal cancer. However, these operations are potentially mutilating, and the reconstruction method of the pelvic floor has been studied only sparsely. We aim to study whether a porcine-collagen implant is superior or equally beneficial to a gluteus maximus myocutaneous flap as a reconstruction method.

Methods and analysis: This is a multicentre non-blinded randomised controlled trial with the experimental arm using a porcine-collagen implant and the control arm using a gluteus maximus muscle and skin rotation flap. Considered for inclusion are patients with rectal cancer, who are operated on with a wide abdominoperineal rectal excision including most of the levator muscles and where the muscle remnants cannot be closed in the midline with sutures. Patients with a primary or recurrent rectal cancer with an estimated survival of more than a year are eligible. The randomisation is computer generated with a concealed sequence and stratified by participating hospital and preoperative radiotherapy regimen. The main outcome is physical performance 6 months after surgery measured with the timed-stands test. Secondary outcomes are perineal wound healing, surgical complications, quality of life, ability to sit and other outcomes measured at 3, 6 and 12 months after surgery. To be able to state experimental arm non-inferiority with a 10% margin of the primary outcome with 90% statistical power and assuming 10% attrition, we aim to enrol 85 patients from May 2011 onwards.

Ethics and dissemination: The study has been approved by the Regional Ethical Review board at Umeå University (protocol no: NEAPE-2010-335-31M). The results will be disseminated through patient associations and conventional scientific channels.

Background: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have been introduced as opioid-sparing analgesics in colorectal surgery. However, recent research has implicated these drugs as risk factors for anastomotic dehiscence.

Methods: The Swedish Colorectal Cancer Registry was used to identify all patients operated with anterior resection for rectal cancer at centres that performed more than 25 abdominal operations per year, from 2007 to 2012, inclusive. The registry provided individual patient data on demographic variables and symptomatic anastomotic leakage. The patient exposure to NSAIDs was defined according to the protocol of the hospital at which the patient was operated. Logistic regression was employed to estimate ORs and 95% CIs, adjusting for confounders.

Results: The study cohort comprised 2,605 patients operated at 21 centres. In the NSAID group, 102/1,458 (7.0%) suffered an anastomotic leak, as compared to 124/1,023 (10.8%) in the non-NSAID group. With adjustment for confounding, patients treated at NSAID hospitals had a reduced risk of developing anastomotic leakage (OR 0.68; 95% CI 0.48-0.96).

Conclusions: In this retrospective protocol-based study, NSAIDs did not increase the risk of anastomotic leakage after anterior resection for rectal cancer. The postoperative use of NSAIDs may not be detrimental, but more research is warranted.

BACKGROUND: The preferred strategies for treatment of common bile duct stones have changed from choledochotomy with cholecystectomy to sphincterotomy with or without cholecystectomy. The aim of the present study was to compare the effectiveness of these treatment strategies on a nationwide level in Sweden. METHODS: All patients with hospital care for benign biliary diagnoses 1988-2006 were identified in Swedish registers. Patients with common bile duct stones and a first admission with choledochotomy and or endoscopic sphincterotomy from 1989 through 2006 comprised the study group. These patients were analyzed with respect to readmission for biliary diagnoses and acute pancreatitis. RESULTS: Incidence of open and laparoscopic choledochotomy decreased from 19.4 to 5.2, whereas endoscopic sphincterotomy increased from 5.1 to 26.1 per 100,000 inhabitants per year, respectively. Among patients treated for common bile duct stones (n = 26,815), 60.0 % underwent cholecystectomy during the first hospital admission in 1989-1994, compared to 30.1 % in 2001-2006. The treatment strategy that included endoscopic sphincterotomy was associated with more readmissions for biliary diagnoses and increased risk for acute pancreatitis than the treatment strategy with choledochotomy. However, patients treated with endoscopic sphincterotomy and concurrent cholecystectomy at the index admission had the lowest risk of readmission. CONCLUSIONS: Cholecystectomy has been increasingly separated from treatment of bile duct stones, and endoscopic sphincterotomy has superseded choledochotomy as a first alternative for bile duct clearance in Sweden. In patients fit for surgery, clearance of the common bile duct can be combined with cholecystectomy, as it probably reduces the need for biliary related readmissions.

BACKGROUND: Gallstones represent the most common cause of acute pancreatitis in Sweden. Epidemiological data concerning timing of cholecystectomy and sphincterotomy in patients with first attack of mild acute biliary pancreatitis (MABP) are scarce. Our aim was to analyse readmissions for biliary disease, cholecystectomy within one year, and mortality within 90 days of index admission for MABP.

METHODS: Hospital discharge and death certificate data were linked for patients with first attack acute pancreatitis in Sweden 1988-2003. Mortality was calculated as case fatality rate (CFR) and standardized mortality ratio (SMR). MABP was defined as acute pancreatitis of biliary aetiology without mortality during an index stay of 10 days or shorter. Patients were analysed according to four different treatment policies: Cholecystectomy during index stay (group 1), no cholecystectomy during index stay but within 30 days of index admission (group 2), sphincterotomy but not cholecystectomy within 30 days of index admission (group 3), and neither cholecystectomy nor sphincterotomy within 30 days of index admission (group 4).

RESULTS: Of 11636 patients with acute biliary pancreatitis, 8631 patients (74%) met the criteria for MABP. After exclusion of those with cholecystectomy or sphincterotomy during the year before index admission (N = 212), 8419 patients with MABP remained for analysis. Patients in group 1 and 2 were significantly younger than patients in group 3 and 4. Length of index stay differed significantly between the groups, from 4 (3-6) days, (representing median, 25 and 75 percentiles) in group 2 to 7 (5-8) days in groups 1. In group 1, 4.9% of patients were readmitted at least once for biliary disease within one year after index admission, compared to 100% in group 2, 62.5% in group 3, and 76.3% in group 4. One year after index admission, 30.8% of patients in group 3 and 47.7% of patients in group 4 had undergone cholecystectomy. SMR did not differ between the four groups.

CONCLUSION: Cholecystectomy during index stay slightly prolongs this stay, but drastically reduces readmissions for biliary indications.

Objective. Since early 1970s, prospective randomized controlled trials have emphasized the advantages of early cholecystectomy in patients with acute cholecystitis, compared to elective delayed cholecystectomy. The aim of this investigation was to study surgery for acute gallbladder disease in Sweden during a 15-year period when open cholecystectomy was replaced by a laparoscopic procedure. Material and methods. Data from the Swedish National Patient Register and the Cause of Death Register 1988-2006 comprising hospital stays with a primary diagnosis of gallbladder/gallstone disease in Sweden were retrieved. Patients were analyzed with reference to timing of cholecystectomy, length of hospital stay, and mortality. Results. Emergency cholecystectomy at index (first) admission or at readmission within 2 years of index admission was performed in 32.2% and 6.1% of patients, respectively. Elective cholecystectomy within 2 years of index admission was performed in 20.3% patients, whereas 41.3% of all patients did not undergo cholecystectomy within 2 years. Standardized mortality ratio did not significantly change during the audit period. Total hospital stay (days at index stay and subsequent stay(s) for biliary diagnoses within 2 years) was shorter for patients who had emergency cholecystectomy at first admission compared to patients with later or no cholecystectomy within 2 years. Conclusions. Around 30% of patients with acute gallbladder disease were operated with cholecystectomy during the first admission with no time trend from 1990 through 2004. A total of 40% of patients with acute gallbladder disease were not cholecystectomized within 2 years. Analysis of outcome of long-term conservative treatment is warranted.

BACKGROUND: Population-based studies suggest that the incidence of first attack of acute pancreatitis (FAAP) is increasing and that old age is associated with increased mortality. Because nationwide data are limited and information on standardized mortality ratio (SMR) versus age is lacking, we wanted to describe incidence and mortality of first attack acute pancreatitis (FAAP) in Sweden.

METHODS: Hospital discharge data concerning diagnoses and surgical procedures and death certificate data were linked for patients with FAAP in Sweden. Mortality was calculated as case fatality rate (CFR), i.e. deaths per 1000 patients and SMR using age-, gender- and calendar year-specific expected survival estimates, and is given as mean with 95% confidence intervals. Data are presented as median values with 25% and 75% percentiles, means and standard deviations, or proportions. Proportions have been compared using the chi square test, Poisson-regression test or Fisher exact test. Location of two groups of ratio scale variables were compared using independent samples t-test or Mann-Whitney U-test.

RESULTS: From 1988 through 2003, 43415 patients (23801 men and 19614 women) were admitted for FAAP. Age adjusted incidence rose from 27.0 to 32.0 per 100000 individuals and year. Incidence increased with age for both men and women. At index stay 19.7% of men and 35.4% of women had biliary diagnoses, and 7.1% of men and 2.1% of women alcohol-related diagnoses. Of 10072 patients who underwent cholecystectomy, 7521 (74.7%) did so after index stay within the audit period. With increasing age CFR increased and SMR decreased. For the whole period studied SMR was 11.75 (11.34-12.17) within 90 days of index admission and 2.03 (1.93-2.13) from 91 to 365 days. Alcohol-related diagnoses and young age was associated with increased SMR. Length of stay and SMR decreased significantly during the audit period.

CONCLUSION: Incidence of FAAP increased slightly from 1988 to 2003. Incidence increased and SMR declined with increasing patient age. Although the prognosis for patients with FAAP has improved it remains an important health problem. Aetiological classification at index stay and timing of cholecystectomy should be improved.

PURPOSE: To describe and compare the support provided by nursing staff to families during their child's illness from the viewpoint of families and nurses.

METHOD: A survey method was used. Data were collected by questionnaires planned for families and staff separately. The study population consisted of families who visited paediatric outpatient clinics, families with hospitalized children (n = 344) and the paediatric nursing staff (n = 60).

FINDINGS: Almost half of the families had received adequate emotional and informational support from the nursing staff for their physical and psychological reactions. One-fifth of the families reported that they had not been supported at all during the child's hospitalization. According to families and nurses, the support was provided in the forms of discussion, listening and giving time.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Families' and nurses' suggestions for development of support were related to the time resources of the staff, to the flow of information, to more client-centred attitudes, to being appreciated and listened to and to home care guidance. However, the pervasiveness of this problem in the international literature suggests that deeper consideration of possible underlying reasons for this phenomenon is called for.

BACKGROUND: There is no consensus on the best management of the indirect hernial sac in groin hernia surgery. The aim of this study was to investigate to what extent different management options are associated with reoperation for recurrence. METHODS: This study used data from the Swedish Hernia Register. Surgeons registered whether the indirect hernial sac was managed by division (leaving the distal part in place), excision or invagination. RESULTS: An indirect hernia was found in 48 433 operations; the sac was excised in 49.5 per cent, invaginated in 37.6 per cent and divided in 12.9 per cent of operations. The 5-year cumulative reoperation incidence was 1.7 per cent for hernial sac excision, 1.7 per cent for division and 2.7 per cent for invagination. For indirect hernia repair, the relative risk of reoperation for recurrence was 0.63 (95 per cent confidence interval 0.51 to 0.79) for excision of the sac and 0.72 (0.53 to 0.99) for division compared with invagination. Lichtenstein repair combined with hernial sac excision had a 5-year cumulative reoperation incidence of only 1.0 per cent. CONCLUSION: Excision of the indirect hernial sac in inguinal hernia repair is associated with a lower risk of hernia recurrence than division or invagination.

PURPOSE: To compare recurrence and surgical complications following two dominating techniques: the use of suture and mesh in umbilical hernia repair.

METHODS: 379 consecutive umbilical hernia repair procedures performed between 1 January 2005 and 14 March 2014 in a university setting were included. Gathering was made using International Classification of Diseases codes for both procedure and diagnosis. Each patient record was scrutinized with respect to 45 variables, and the results entered in a database.

RESULTS: Exclusion <18 years-of-age (32), non-primary umbilical hernia (25), wrong diagnosis (7), concomitant major abdominal surgery (5), double registration (3) and pregnancy (1) left 306 patients eligible for analysis. Gender distribution was 97 women and 209 men. There was no difference between mesh and suture with regard to the primary outcome variable, cumulative recurrence rate, 8.4 %. Recurrence was both self-reported and found on clinical revisit and defined as recurrence when verified by a clinician and/or radiologist. Results presented as odds ratio (OR) with 95 % confidence interval (CI) show a significantly higher risk for recurrence in patients with a coexisting hernia OR 2.84, 95 % CI 1.24-6.48. Secondary outcome, postoperative surgical complication (n = 51 occurrences), included an array of postoperative surgical events commencing within 30 days after surgery. Complication rate was significantly higher in patients receiving mesh repair OR 6.63, 95 % CI 2.29-20.38.

CONCLUSIONS: Suture repair decreases the risk for surgical complications, especially infection without an increase in recurrence rate. The risk for recurrence is increased in patients with a history of another hernia.