INTRODUCTION: The prognostic value of the modified Rutgeerts score (mRS) in patients with Crohn's disease (CD) needs to be further elucidated. This study assessed the prognostic value of the mRS... Show moreINTRODUCTION: The prognostic value of the modified Rutgeerts score (mRS) in patients with Crohn's disease (CD) needs to be further elucidated. This study assessed the prognostic value of the mRS for long-term outcomes after primary ileocecal resection in patients with CD.METHODS: Patients with CD after primary ileocecal resection with an available mRS at first postoperative ileocolonoscopy (index mRS) were retrospectively included. The primary outcome was surgical recurrence. Secondary outcomes were clinical recurrence and progression to severe endoscopic recurrence (≥i3). Cox proportional hazard models were used to assess the association between index mRS and outcomes.RESULTS: Six hundred fifty-two patients were included (mean follow-up: 6.4 years, SD: 4.6). Surgical recurrence rates were 7.7%, 5.3%, 12.9%, 19.1%, 28.8%, 47.8% for index mRS i0, i1, i2a, i2b, i3, and i4, respectively. Clinical recurrence occurred in 42.2% (i0), 53.7% (i1), 58.5% (i2a), 80.2% (i2b), 79.4% (i3), and 95.3% (i4) of patients. Progression to severe endoscopic recurrence occurred in 21.1% (i0), 33.9% (i1), 26.8% (i2a), and 33.3% (i2b) of patients. An index mRS of i2b (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 3.0; 1.5–5.6), i3 (aHR 4.0; 2.0–7.9) and i4 (aHR 8.0; 4.0–16.0) were associated with surgical recurrence. An index mRS of i1 (aHR 1.7; 1.2–2.4), i2a (aHR 1.7; 1.2–2.4), i2b (aHR 4.4; 3.2–6.0), i3 (aHR 3.6; 2.5–5.2), and i4 (aHR 7.3; 4.8–10.9) were associated with clinical recurrence. An index mRS of i1 (aHR 2.0; 1.1–3.7) or i2b (aHR 2.5; 1.4–4.6) was associated with progression to severe endoscopic recurrence.DISCUSSION: The increasing mRS corresponds closely with the risk of surgical and clinical recurrence. An index mRS ≥ i2b is associated with surgical recurrence, an index mRS ≥ i1 is associated with clinical recurrence, and i1 or i2b with progression to severe endoscopic recurrence. These results support tight monitoring of disease activity and treatment optimization in patients with ileal lesions and a more conservative management in patients with anastomotic lesions. Show less
Bos, J. van den; Schols, R.M.; Boni, L.; Cassinotti, E.; Carus, T.; Luyer, M.D.; ... ; Stassen, L.P.S. 2023
Aim To assess the added value of Near InfraRed Fluorescence (NIRF) imaging during laparoscopic cholecystectomy.Methods This international multicentre randomized controlled trial included... Show moreAim To assess the added value of Near InfraRed Fluorescence (NIRF) imaging during laparoscopic cholecystectomy.Methods This international multicentre randomized controlled trial included participants with an indication for elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Participants were randomised into a NIRF imaging assisted laparoscopic cholecystectomy (NIRF-LC) group and a conventional laparoscopic cholecystectomy (CLC) group. Primary end point was time to "Critical View of Safety' (CVS). The follow-up period of this study was 90 postoperative days. An expert panel analysed the video recordings after surgery to confirm designated surgical time points.Results A total of 294 patients were included, of which 143 were randomized in the NIRF-LC and 151 in the CLC group. Baseline characteristics were equally distributed. Time to CVS was on average 19 min and 14 s for the NIRF-LC group and 23 min and 9 s for the CLC group (p 0.032). Time to identification of the CD was 6 min and 47 s and 13 min for NIRF-LC and CLC respectively (p < 0.001). Transition of the CD in the gallbladder was identified after an average of 9 min and 39 s with NIRF-LC, compared to 18 min and 7 s with CLC (p < 0.001). No difference in postoperative length of hospital stay nor occurrence of postoperative complications was found. ICG related complications were limited to one patient who developed a rash after injection of ICG.Conclusion Use of NIRF imaging in laparoscopic cholecystectomy provides earlier identification of relevant extrahepatic biliary anatomy: earlier achievement of CVS, cystic duct visualisation and visualisation of both cystic duct and cystic artery transition into the gallbladder. Show less
Background: A considerable proportion of Crohn's disease patients that undergo ileocecal resection (ICR) have failed anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) therapy preoperatively. This study aimed to... Show moreBackground: A considerable proportion of Crohn's disease patients that undergo ileocecal resection (ICR) have failed anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) therapy preoperatively. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of retreatment of anti-TNF therapy in patients with postoperative recurrence. Methods: A real-world cohort study was performed on Crohn's disease patients who underwent primary ICR after anti-TNF therapy failure, and who were retreated with anti-TNF therapy for postoperative symptomatic Crohn's disease. The primary outcome was treatment failure (the need for (re)introduction of corticosteroids, immunosuppressants, or biologicals or the need for re-resection). Sub-analyses were performed on the nature of preoperative anti-TNF failure (primary non-response, secondary loss of response, intolerance), indication for ICR (refractory, stricturing, penetrating disease), combination therapy with immunomodulators, retreatment with the same anti-TNF agent and preoperative exposure to 1 vs. >1 anti-TNF agents. Results: In total, 66 of 364 patients retreated with anti-TNF therapy following ICR. Cumulative rates of treatment failure at 1 and 2 years were 28% and 47%. Treatment failure rate at 2 years was significantly lower in patients receiving combination therapy as compared to anti-TNF monotherapy (30% vs. 49%, P = 0.02). No difference in treatment failure was found with regards to the nature of preoperative anti-TNF failure (P = 0.76), indication for ICR (P = 0.88) switch of anti-TNF agent (P = 0.55) agent, and preoperative exposure to 1 vs. >1 anti-TNF agents (P = 0.88). Conclusion: Retreatment with anti-TNF therapy for postoperative Crohn's disease recurrence is a valid strategy after preoperative failure. Combination therapy is associated with a lower rate of treatment failure. Show less
Arkenbosch, J.H.C.; Beelen, E.M.J.; Dijkstra, G.; Romberg-Camps, M.; Duijvestein, M.; Hoentjen, F.; ... ; Dutch Initiative Crohns Colitis IC 2022
Background To prevent recurrence after ileocolonic resection [ICR] in Crohn's disease [CD], postoperative prophylaxis based on risk stratification is recommended in international guidelines. This... Show moreBackground To prevent recurrence after ileocolonic resection [ICR] in Crohn's disease [CD], postoperative prophylaxis based on risk stratification is recommended in international guidelines. This study aimed to evaluate postoperative CD recurrence after implementation of a clinical management algorithm and to determine the predictive value of clinical and histological risk factors [RFs]. Methods In this multicentre, prospective cohort study, CD patients [>= 16 years] scheduled for ICR were included. The algorithm advised no postoperative medication for low-risk patients, and treatment with prophylaxis [immunosuppressant/biological] for high-risk patients [>= 1 RF: active smoking, penetrating disease, prior ICR]. Clinical and histological RFs [active inflammation, granulomas, plexitis in resection margins] for endoscopic recurrence [Rutgeerts' score >= i2b at 6 months] were assessed using logistic regression and ROC curves based on predicted probabilities. Results In total, 213 CD patients after ICR were included [age 34.5 years; 65% women] (93 [44%] low-risk; 120 [56%] high-risk: 45 [38%] smoking; 51 [43%] penetrating disease; 51 [43%] prior ICR). Adherence to the algorithm was 82% in low-risk [no prophylaxis] and 51% in high-risk patients [prophylaxis]. Endoscopic recurrence was higher in patients treated without prophylaxis than with prophylaxis in both low [45% vs 16%, p = 0.012] and high-risk patients [49% vs 26%, p = 0.019]. Clinical risk stratification including the prescription of prophylaxis corresponded to an area under the curve [AUC] of 0.70 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.61-0.79). Clinical RFs combined with histological RFs increased the AUC to 0.73 [95% CI 0.64-0.81]. Conclusion Adherence to this management algorithm is 65%. Prophylactic medication after ICR prevents endoscopic recurrence in low- and high-risk patients. Clinical risk stratification has an acceptable predictive value, but further refinement is needed. Show less
Arkenbosch, J.H.C.; Beelen, E.M.J.; Dijkstra, G.; Romberg-Camps, M.; Duijvestein, M.; Hoentjen, F.; ... ; Dutch Initiative Crohns Colitis IC 2022
BackgroundTo prevent recurrence after ileocolonic resection [ICR] in Crohn’s disease [CD], postoperative prophylaxis based on risk stratification is recommended in international guidelines. This... Show moreBackgroundTo prevent recurrence after ileocolonic resection [ICR] in Crohn’s disease [CD], postoperative prophylaxis based on risk stratification is recommended in international guidelines. This study aimed to evaluate postoperative CD recurrence after implementation of a clinical management algorithm and to determine the predictive value of clinical and histological risk factors [RFs].MethodsIn this multicentre, prospective cohort study, CD patients [≥16 years] scheduled for ICR were included. The algorithm advised no postoperative medication for low-risk patients, and treatment with prophylaxis [immunosuppressant/biological] for high-risk patients [≥1 RF: active smoking, penetrating disease, prior ICR]. Clinical and histological RFs [active inflammation, granulomas, plexitis in resection margins] for endoscopic recurrence [Rutgeerts’ score ≥i2b at 6 months] were assessed using logistic regression and ROC curves based on predicted probabilities.ResultsIn total, 213 CD patients after ICR were included [age 34.5 years; 65% women] (93 [44%] low-risk; 120 [56%] high-risk: 45 [38%] smoking; 51 [43%] penetrating disease; 51 [43%] prior ICR). Adherence to the algorithm was 82% in low-risk [no prophylaxis] and 51% in high-risk patients [prophylaxis]. Endoscopic recurrence was higher in patients treated without prophylaxis than with prophylaxis in both low [45% vs 16%, p = 0.012] and high-risk patients [49% vs 26%, p = 0.019]. Clinical risk stratification including the prescription of prophylaxis corresponded to an area under the curve [AUC] of 0.70 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.61–0.79). Clinical RFs combined with histological RFs increased the AUC to 0.73 [95% CI 0.64–0.81].ConclusionAdherence to this management algorithm is 65%. Prophylactic medication after ICR prevents endoscopic recurrence in low- and high-risk patients. Clinical risk stratification has an acceptable predictive value, but further refinement is needed. Show less
Arkenbosch, J.H.C.; Mak, J.W.Y.; Ho, J.C.L.; Beelen, E.M.J.; Erler, N.S.; Hoentjen, F.; ... ; Vries, A.C. de 2022
Background: The Crohn's disease (CD) phenotype differs between Asian and Western countries and may affect disease management, including decisions on surgery. This study aimed to compare the... Show moreBackground: The Crohn's disease (CD) phenotype differs between Asian and Western countries and may affect disease management, including decisions on surgery. This study aimed to compare the indications, postoperative management, and long-term prognosis after ileocecal resection (ICR) in Hong Kong (HK) and the Netherlands (NL). Methods: CD patients with primary ICR between 2000 and 2019 were included. The endpoints were endoscopic (Rutgeerts score >= i2b and/or radiologic recurrence), clinical (start or switch of inflammatory bowel disease medication), and surgical recurrences. Cumulative incidences of recurrence were estimated with a Bayesian multivariable proportional hazards model. Results: Eighty HK and 822 NL patients were included. The most common indication for ICR was penetrating disease (HK: 32.5%, NL: 22.5%) in HK vs stricturing disease (HK: 32.5%, NL: 48.8%) in the NL (P < .001). Postoperative prophylaxis was prescribed to 65 (81.3%) HK patients (28 [35.0%] aminosalicylates [5-aminosalicylic acid]; 30 [37.5%] immunomodulators; 0 biologicals) vs 388 (47.1%) NL patients (67 [8.2%] 5-aminosalicylic acid; 187 [22.8%] immunomodulators; 69 [8.4%] biologicals; 50 [6.1%] combination therapy) (P < .001). Endoscopic or radiologic evaluation within 18 months was performed in 36.3% HK vs 64.1% NL (P < .001) patients. No differences between both populations were observed for endoscopic (hazard ratio [HR], 0.53; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.24-1.21), clinical (HR, 0.91; 95% CI, 0.62-1.32), or surgical (HR, 0.61; 95% CI, 0.31-1.13) recurrence risks. Conclusion: The main indication for ICR in CD patients is penetrating disease in HK patients and stricturing disease in NL patients. Although considerable pre- and postoperative management differences were observed between the two geographical areas, the long-term prognosis after ICR is similar.Lay Summary This is the first study reporting similar long-term prognoses after ileocecal resection in Crohn's disease in low- and high-incidence countries despite differences in Crohn's disease phenotype at diagnosis, surgical approach, indications, and pre- and postoperative management including prophylactic medication. Show less
Arkenbosch, J.H.C.; Mak, J.W.Y.; Ho, J.C.L.; Beelen, E.M.J.; Erler, N.S.; Hoentjen, F.; ... ; Vries, A.C. de 2022
BackgroundThe Crohn’s disease (CD) phenotype differs between Asian and Western countries and may affect disease management, including decisions on surgery. This study aimed to compare the... Show moreBackgroundThe Crohn’s disease (CD) phenotype differs between Asian and Western countries and may affect disease management, including decisions on surgery. This study aimed to compare the indications, postoperative management, and long-term prognosis after ileocecal resection (ICR) in Hong Kong (HK) and the Netherlands (NL).MethodsCD patients with primary ICR between 2000 and 2019 were included. The endpoints were endoscopic (Rutgeerts score ≥i2b and/or radiologic recurrence), clinical (start or switch of inflammatory bowel disease medication), and surgical recurrences. Cumulative incidences of recurrence were estimated with a Bayesian multivariable proportional hazards model.ResultsEighty HK and 822 NL patients were included. The most common indication for ICR was penetrating disease (HK: 32.5%, NL: 22.5%) in HK vs stricturing disease (HK: 32.5%, NL: 48.8%) in the NL (P < .001). Postoperative prophylaxis was prescribed to 65 (81.3%) HK patients (28 [35.0%] aminosalicylates [5-aminosalicylic acid]; 30 [37.5%] immunomodulators; 0 biologicals) vs 388 (47.1%) NL patients (67 [8.2%] 5-aminosalicylic acid; 187 [22.8%] immunomodulators; 69 [8.4%] biologicals; 50 [6.1%] combination therapy) (P < .001). Endoscopic or radiologic evaluation within 18 months was performed in 36.3% HK vs 64.1% NL (P < .001) patients. No differences between both populations were observed for endoscopic (hazard ratio [HR], 0.53; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.24-1.21), clinical (HR, 0.91; 95% CI, 0.62-1.32), or surgical (HR, 0.61; 95% CI, 0.31-1.13) recurrence risks.ConclusionThe main indication for ICR in CD patients is penetrating disease in HK patients and stricturing disease in NL patients. Although considerable pre- and postoperative management differences were observed between the two geographical areas, the long-term prognosis after ICR is similar. Show less
IMPORTANCE For patients with painful chronic pancreatitis, surgical treatment is postponed until medical and endoscopic treatment have failed. Observational studies have suggested that earlier... Show moreIMPORTANCE For patients with painful chronic pancreatitis, surgical treatment is postponed until medical and endoscopic treatment have failed. Observational studies have suggested that earlier surgery could mitigate disease progression, providing better pain control and preserving pancreatic function.OBJECTIVE To determine whether early surgery is more effective than the endoscopy-first approach in terms of clinical outcomes.DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS The ESCAPE trial was an unblinded, multicenter, randomized clinical superiority trial involving 30 Dutch hospitals participating in the Dutch Pancreatitis Study Group. From April 2011 until September 2016, a total of 88 patients with chronic pancreatitis, a dilated main pancreatic duct, and who only recently started using prescribed opioids for severe pain (strong opioids for <= 2 months or weak opioids for <= 6 months) were included. The 18-month follow-up period ended in March 2018.INTERVENTIONS There were 44 patients randomized to the early surgery group who underwent pancreatic drainage surgery within 6 weeks after randomization and 44 patients randomized to the endoscopy-first approach group who underwent medical treatment, endoscopy including lithotripsy if needed, and surgery if needed.MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES The primary outcome was pain, measured on the Izbicki pain score and integrated over 18 months (range, 0-100 [increasing score indicates more pain severity]). Secondary outcomes were pain relief at the end of follow-up; number of interventions, complications, hospital admissions; pancreatic function; quality of life (measured on the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey [SF-36]); and mortality.RESULTS Among 88 patients who were randomized (mean age, 52 years; 21 (24%) women), 85 (97%) completed the trial. During 18 months of follow-up, patients in the early surgery group had a lower Izbicki pain score than patients in the group randomized to receive the endoscopy-first approach group (37 vs 49; between-group difference, -12 points [95% CI, -22 to -2]; P = .02). Complete or partial pain relief at end of follow-up was achieved in 23 of 40 patients (58%) in the early surgery vs 16 of 41 (39%)in the endoscopy-first approach group (P = .10). The total number of interventions was lower in the early surgery group (median, 1 vs 3; P < .001). Treatment complications (27% vs 25%), mortality (0% vs 0%), hospital admissions, pancreatic function, and quality of life were not significantly different between early surgery and the endoscopy-first approach.CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Among patients with chronic pancreatitis, early surgery compared with an endoscopy-first approach resulted in lower pain scores when integrated over 18 months. However, further research is needed to assess persistence of differences over time and to replicate the study findings. Show less
