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RISK FACTORS FOR REOPERATION, MORBIDITY, AND MORTALITY IN PATIENTS WITH SMALL BOWEL OBSTRUCTION SUBMITTED TO SURGICAL TREATMENT

FATORES DE RISCO PARA REOPERAÇÃO E MORBIMORTALIDADE EM PACIENTES COM OBSTRUÇÃO DE INTESTINO DELGADO SUBMETIDOS A TRATAMENTO CIRÚRGICO

ABSTRACT - BACKGROUND:

Small bowel obstruction (SBO) is a frequent cause of emergency department admissions.

AIM:

This study aimed to determine risk factors of reoperations, postoperative adverse event, and operative mortality (OM) in patients surgically treated for SBO.

METHODS:

This is a retrospective study conducted between 2014 and 2017. Exclusion criteria include gastric outlet obstruction, large bowel obstruction, and incomplete clinical record. STATA version 14 was used for statistical analysis, with p-value <0.05 with 95% confidence interval considered statistically significant.

RESULTS:

A total of 218 patients were included, in which 61.9% were women. Notably, 88.5% of patients had previous abdominal surgery. Intestinal resection was needed in 28.4% of patients. Postoperative adverse event was present in 28.4%, reoperation was needed in 9.2% of cases, and a 90-day surgical mortality was 5.9%. Multivariate analysis determined that intestinal resection, >3 days in intensive care unit (ICU), >7 days with nasogastric tube (NGT), pain after postoperative day 3, POAE, and surgical POAE were the risk factors for reoperations, while age, C-reactive protein, intestinal resection, >3 days in ICU, and >7 days with NGT were the risk factors for POAE. OM was determined by >5 days with NGT and POAE.

CONCLUSIONS:

Postoperative course is determined mainly for patient’s age, preoperative level of C-reactive protein, necessity of intestinal resection, clinical postoperative variables, and the presence of POAE.

HEADINGS:
Intestine, Small; Intestinal Obstruction; Risk Factors; Reoperation; Mortality

RESUMO - RACIONAL:

A obstrução do intestino delgado (OID) é uma causa frequente de admissões ao Serviço de Emergência.

OBJETIVO:

Determinar os fatores de risco de reoperações, eventos adversos pós-operatórios e mortalidade operatória (MO) em pacientes com OID tratados cirurgicamente.

MÉTODOS:

Estudo retrospectivo entre 2014 e 2017. Critérios de exclusão: obstrução da saída do estômago, obstrução do intestino grosso e história clínica incompleta. O STATA 14 foi utilizado para análise estatística, considerando significância estatística p<0,05 com IC de 95%.

RESULTADOS:

Duzentos e dezoito pacientes foram incluídos, 61,9% mulheres, 88,5% dos pacientes tinham cirurgia abdominal anterior. A ressecção intestinal foi necessária em 28,4% dos pacientes. O evento adverso pós-operatório (EAPO) esteve presente em 28,4%, a reoperação foi necessária em 9,2% dos casos e a mortalidade cirúrgica em 90 dias foi de 5,9%. A análise multivariada determinou que a ressecção intestinal, > 3 dias em UTI, > 7 dias com sonda nasogástrica (SNG), dor após o 3º dia de pós-operatório, EAPO cirúrgico foram fatores de risco para reoperações, enquanto idade, proteína C reativa, ressecção intestinal, > 3 dias em UTI, > 7 dias com SNG foram fatores de risco para EAPO. A MO foi determinada em > 5 dias com SNG e EAPO.

CONCLUSÕES:

A evolução pós-operatória é determinada principalmente pela idade do paciente, nível pré-operatório de proteína C reativa, necessidade de ressecção intestinal, variáveis clínicas pós-operatórias e presença de EAPO.

DESCRITORES:
Intestino Delgado; Obstrução Intestinal; Fatores de Risco; Reoperação; Mortalidade

INTRODUCTION

Small bowel intestinal obstruction (SBO) is a frequent cause of consultation at the emergency unit, representing nearly 20% of all causes of acute abdomen 77. Chin JY, Goldstraw E, Lunniss P, Patel K. Evaluation of the utility of abdominal CT scans in the diagnosis, management, outcome and information given at discharge of patients with non-traumatic acute abdominal pain. Br J Radiol. 2012;85(1017):e596-e602. doi: 10.1259/bjr/95400367.
https://doi.org/10.1259/bjr/95400367...
,2525. Ten Broek RPG, Krielen P, Di Saverio S, Coccolini F, Biffl WL, Ansaloni L, Velmahos GC, Sartelli M, Gustavo P, Fraga GP, et al. Bologna guidelines for diagnosis and management of adhesive small bowel obstruction (ASBO): 2017 update of the evidence-based guidelines from the World Society of Emergency Surgery ASBO working group. World J Emerg Surg. 2018;13:24. doi: 10.1186/s13017-018-0185-2.
https://doi.org/10.1186/s13017-018-0185-...
. The most frequent etiologies are due to adhesions and internal or external hernia 33. Bower KL, Lollar DI, Williams SL, Adkins FC, Luyimbazi DT, Bower CE. Small Bowel Obstruction. Surg Clin N Am. 2018; 98:945-971. doi: 10.1016/j.suc.2018.05.007
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.suc.2018.05.00...
,1010. Csendes A, Pereira P, Zamorano M, Arratia I, Gonzalez J, Carriel F. Medical or surgical treatment of small bowel obstruction. Rev Chil Cir. 2016;68(3):227---232. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.rchic.2014.08.001 0379-3893.
https://doi.org/http://dx.doi.org/10.101...
. The diagnosis is mainly clinical and supported actually by the computed tomography (CT), which not only improve the accuracy of diagnosis but can also predict small bowel wall vitality 33. Bower KL, Lollar DI, Williams SL, Adkins FC, Luyimbazi DT, Bower CE. Small Bowel Obstruction. Surg Clin N Am. 2018; 98:945-971. doi: 10.1016/j.suc.2018.05.007
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.suc.2018.05.00...
,77. Chin JY, Goldstraw E, Lunniss P, Patel K. Evaluation of the utility of abdominal CT scans in the diagnosis, management, outcome and information given at discharge of patients with non-traumatic acute abdominal pain. Br J Radiol. 2012;85(1017):e596-e602. doi: 10.1259/bjr/95400367.
https://doi.org/10.1259/bjr/95400367...
. The treatment of this disease is mainly surgical; however, nonsurgical treatment has increased in the past years due to the progress of radiological imaging. This conservative management has captured the interest of publications, creating a detriment in the study of complications after surgical approach.

The aim of the present study was to determine risk factors of reoperations, postoperative adverse event (POAE), and surgical mortality (SM) in patients surgically treated for SBO.

METHODS

1. Design

A retrospective analysis of the electronic clinical records of all patients with SBO was submitted to Clinical Hospital University of Chile between January 2014 and December 2017.

Considering the retrospective nature of the study, privacy, and the anonymous analysis of all records, there was no need for Institutional Review Board approval.

2. Patients under study

All patients aged 15 years and older with SBO were admitted to our institution and received surgical treatment. All etiologies of SBO were considered.

Exclusion criteria corresponded to patients with gastric outlet obstruction, large bowel obstruction, medical treatment of SBO, and incomplete clinical record.

3. Definitions

  • a. SBO: complete or partial mechanical obstruction from Treitz angle to ileocecal valve.

  • ii. Diagnose:

  • 1. Clinically if patients had an interruption in their normal bowel transit to gas or feces, plus abdominal pain, abdominal distention, and/or vomits.

  • 2. Radiologically if there was an abnormal small bowel dilatation with a mechanical obstruction.

  • b. OM: any death occurring from surgery up to postoperative day 90.

  • c. Zero time for determining prognostic association was surgery.

  • d. POAEs were classified according to Clavien-Dindo definitions. POAEs were divided into surgical and medical POAE, depending on whether or not they were direct consequence of surgical procedure:

  • i. Surgical POAE: intestinal perforation, anastomotic leak, surgical-site infection, ileus, and evisceration

  • ii. Medical POAE: deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary thromboembolism, thrombophlebitis, atelectasis, delirium, and arrhythmia

4. Variables studies

  • a. Preoperative: clinical, laboratory, and tomographic results. Considering that less than 80% of patients had previous clinical records in our hospital, the information that if any anti-adhesion agent were used in the group with previous surgical records was not considered a variable.

  • i. High inflammatory test was considered with blood cells count >10,000/μl and/or C-reactive protein >5 mg/L.

  • ii. Acute kidney injury (AKI) was considered when normal urinary (NU)-to-creatinine ratio was >20.

  • b. Intraoperative: etiology and necessity of intestinal resection.

  • c. Postoperative: number of days in intensive care unit (ICU), number of days with nasogastric tube (NGT), clinical course, the presence of any POAE, necessity or reoperation, and operative mortality (OM) until 90 days after surgery.

5. Statistical analysis

Categorical variables were described in percentages, and parametric variables were expressed as average and standard deviation (SD), according to Shapiro-Wilk test. The Fisher’s exact test, chi-square test, Student’s t-test, and Wilcoxon rank-sum test were performed based on the characteristics and distribution of the variables.

For statistical analysis, STATAR version 14 program was used, with p-value <0.05 considered statistically significant. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed, calculating the odds ratio (OR) with a 95% confidence interval (95%CI).

The cutoff values for each continuous variable were determined, considering sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, and the best area under the receiver operating characteristic curve.

6. Follow-up

Follow-up of this study was circumscribed to 90 days after surgery, for proper assessment of OM.

RESULTS

During the period of this analysis, a total of 431 patients with SBO were admitted. Of these, only 218 (50.6%) cases who were submitted to surgical treatment were included in this study.

The median age was 61.5±18.3 years, and 61.9% were women. Nearly 56% had comorbidities such as hypertension (38.5%), obesity (17.9%), and type 2 diabetes (14.2%). Previous abdominal surgery was reported in 88.5% of the patients, followed by laparotomic approach in 58.4% and laparoscopic in 30.1%.

Table 1 demonstrates the main clinical and radiological findings. The typical symptoms were found in a variable proportion of patients. Abdominal CT with contrast medium showed small bowel dilatation with the absence of gas in the colon in 92.2% of the patients. Free liquid in the abdomen was seen in 37.6% of the patients, and low-contrast enhancement of variable segment of small bowel was demonstrated in 8.3% of the patients. Laboratory results of the presence of inflammation (e.g., elevated white blood cells and increased C-reactive protein) were observed in 70.2% of the cases.

Table 1 -
Clinical and laboratory finding.

During the surgical procedure, abdominal adhesions were the cause of obstruction (57.3%), followed by internal hernia (16.1%) and abdominal wall hernia (15.1%). Notably, 28.4% underwent intestinal resection due to necrosis.

After the intervention, one-third of the patients had to stay for more than 3 days in ICU. The mean time for the use of NGT was 2.8±4.3 days. Table 2 describes the POAEs from grades 3 to 5, according to the classification of Clavien-Dindo. Reoperation was needed in 9.2% of the patients, due to the following reasons: (1) reobstruction (30%), (2) leak from the enteroenterostomy (35%), and (3) perforation of the small intestine (30%). Mean hospital stay was 12.3±15.9 days (range 1-115). OM was found to be 5.9% up to 90 days after surgery.

Table 2 -
Postoperative adverse events according to Clavien-Dindo.

Table 3 describes the risk factors for the development of adverse effects after surgery for SBO. Multivariate analysis revealed that 7 of 20 variables were statistically significant contributed factors or independent variables for the presence of postoperative complications: age, age >80 years, C-reactive protein >70 mg/L (normal <5), the presence of internal hernia as the cause of obstruction, necessity of intestinal resection, >3 days in ICU, and >5 days of need of NGT.

Table 3 -
Postoperative adverse event risk factors in patients surgically treated for SBO.

Table 4 shows the multivariate analysis of risk factors for reoperation after primary surgery for SBO. Out of 33 parameters, 6 were found to be statistically significant: necessity of intestinal resection, >3 days in ICU, the number of days with NGT, abdominal pain after postoperative day 3, the presence of POAE, and the presence of surgical POAE.

Table 4 -
Reoperation risk factors in patients surgically treated for SBO.

Table 5 demonstrates the risk factors for mortality of patients with SBO submitted to surgical treatment. Out of 27 variables, 7 independent variables had been found to be statistically significant: >5 days with NGT, development of POAE, the presence of surgical POAE, the need for reoperation, the presence of intestinal perforation, the presence of anastomotic leak, and the presence of medical POAE.

Table 5 -
Surgical mortality risk factors in patients surgically treated for SBO.

DISCUSSION

The results of this study suggest the following:

  • 1) There is a change in the causes of SBO, with an increase of internal hernias as the second cause.

  • 2) There are several risk factors associated with the complications after surgical treatment of SBO.

  • 3) Several variables can be identified as risk factors for reoperation and OM.

The etiology of SBO has remained similar through decades (2,3,10), with the presence of abdominal adhesions being responsible for nearly 93% of the patients. Approximately 30% of SBO occur in the first year after operation and 3% debut with SBO 10 years after initial surgical procedure 1818. Menzies D, Ellis H. Intestinal obstruction from adhesions: how big is the problem? Ann R Coll Surg Engl. 1990;72:60-3.. In this study, the presence of internal hernias appears as the second cause of etiology, over abdominal wall hernias; this might be probably due to the high incidence of bariatric and oncological procedures with Roux-en-Y reconstruction 1414. Hwang RF, Swartz DE, Felix EL. Causes of small bowel obstruction after laparoscopic gastric bypass. Surg Endosc. 2004;18:1631-1635. doi: 10.1007/s00464-004-8804-2.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00464-004-8804-...
. The impact of laparoscopic surgery in cumulative incidence of SBO remains unknown; however, with the reduction of adhesions and incisional hernias after minimally invasive surgery, it is probable that internal hernias as cause of SBO may continue to increase.

The natural history following adhesiolysis is not completely understood. There is evidence suggesting that SBO may recur up to 32% of patients, with a cumulative incidence of recurrence of 3.7% at 1 year and 5.8% at 5 years.

The dilemma of surgical versus medical treatment has been evaluated in several studies 11. Abbas S, Bissett IP, Parry BR. Oral water soluble contrast for the management of adhesive small bowel obstruction. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2007;2007(3):CD004651. doi: 10.1002/14651858Cochrane
https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858Cochrane...
,33. Bower KL, Lollar DI, Williams SL, Adkins FC, Luyimbazi DT, Bower CE. Small Bowel Obstruction. Surg Clin N Am. 2018; 98:945-971. doi: 10.1016/j.suc.2018.05.007
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.suc.2018.05.00...
,1010. Csendes A, Pereira P, Zamorano M, Arratia I, Gonzalez J, Carriel F. Medical or surgical treatment of small bowel obstruction. Rev Chil Cir. 2016;68(3):227---232. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.rchic.2014.08.001 0379-3893.
https://doi.org/http://dx.doi.org/10.101...
,1919. Mori H, Kaneoka Y, Maeda A, Takayama Y, Takahashi T, Onoe S, Fukami Y. Determination of therapeutic strategy for adhesive small bowel obstruction using water-soluble contrast agents: An audit of 776 cases in a single center. Surgery. 2017;162:139-146. doi: 10.1016/j.surg.2017.01.023.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.surg.2017.01.0...
,2626. Tong JWV, Lingam P, Shelat VG. Adhesive small bowel obstruction - an update. Acute Med Surg. 2020;7(1):e587. doi:10.1002/ams2.587
https://doi.org/10.1002/ams2.587...
. In one study, up to 60-80% of patients have been resolved conservatively 33. Bower KL, Lollar DI, Williams SL, Adkins FC, Luyimbazi DT, Bower CE. Small Bowel Obstruction. Surg Clin N Am. 2018; 98:945-971. doi: 10.1016/j.suc.2018.05.007
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.suc.2018.05.00...
; but in this study, only 50% were operated on, which is in contrast to our previous study in which nearly 75% of patients were submitted to surgical approach 1010. Csendes A, Pereira P, Zamorano M, Arratia I, Gonzalez J, Carriel F. Medical or surgical treatment of small bowel obstruction. Rev Chil Cir. 2016;68(3):227---232. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.rchic.2014.08.001 0379-3893.
https://doi.org/http://dx.doi.org/10.101...
. However, the shorter the hospital stay with conservative management, the higher the chance and the shorter the time to recurrence 11. Abbas S, Bissett IP, Parry BR. Oral water soluble contrast for the management of adhesive small bowel obstruction. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2007;2007(3):CD004651. doi: 10.1002/14651858Cochrane
https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858Cochrane...
,1010. Csendes A, Pereira P, Zamorano M, Arratia I, Gonzalez J, Carriel F. Medical or surgical treatment of small bowel obstruction. Rev Chil Cir. 2016;68(3):227---232. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.rchic.2014.08.001 0379-3893.
https://doi.org/http://dx.doi.org/10.101...
,1919. Mori H, Kaneoka Y, Maeda A, Takayama Y, Takahashi T, Onoe S, Fukami Y. Determination of therapeutic strategy for adhesive small bowel obstruction using water-soluble contrast agents: An audit of 776 cases in a single center. Surgery. 2017;162:139-146. doi: 10.1016/j.surg.2017.01.023.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.surg.2017.01.0...
,2626. Tong JWV, Lingam P, Shelat VG. Adhesive small bowel obstruction - an update. Acute Med Surg. 2020;7(1):e587. doi:10.1002/ams2.587
https://doi.org/10.1002/ams2.587...
. Besides, the risk of small bowel ischemia and necessity of intestinal resection in cases with failed medical treatment can be as high as 75% 1010. Csendes A, Pereira P, Zamorano M, Arratia I, Gonzalez J, Carriel F. Medical or surgical treatment of small bowel obstruction. Rev Chil Cir. 2016;68(3):227---232. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.rchic.2014.08.001 0379-3893.
https://doi.org/http://dx.doi.org/10.101...
.

Clinical and laboratory examinations have been the classical way to diagnose SBO. The widespread use of triphasic CT has enhanced greatly the diagnosis of complete or incomplete obstruction. To predict better the patient’s evolution, international reports have focused on the utility of noninvasive tests such as oral water soluble contrast (OWSC), which has a strong predictive value in defining conservative treatment, with only 3% of surgical necessity in patients with incomplete obstruction 11. Abbas S, Bissett IP, Parry BR. Oral water soluble contrast for the management of adhesive small bowel obstruction. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2007;2007(3):CD004651. doi: 10.1002/14651858Cochrane
https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858Cochrane...
,88. Choi HK, Chu KW, Law WL. Therapeutic value of gastrografin in adhesive small bowel obstruction after unsuccessful conservative treatment: a prospective randomized trial. Ann Surg. 2002;236:1-6. doi: 10.1097/00000658-200207000-00002.
https://doi.org/10.1097/00000658-2002070...
,1919. Mori H, Kaneoka Y, Maeda A, Takayama Y, Takahashi T, Onoe S, Fukami Y. Determination of therapeutic strategy for adhesive small bowel obstruction using water-soluble contrast agents: An audit of 776 cases in a single center. Surgery. 2017;162:139-146. doi: 10.1016/j.surg.2017.01.023.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.surg.2017.01.0...
. The impact of OWSC in malignant obstruction has been evaluated in a recent systematic review 2323. Suter M, Zermatten P, Halkic N, Martinet O, Bettschart V. Laparoscopic management of mechanical small bowel obstruction: Are there predictors of success or failure? Surg Endosc. 2000;14:478-483. doi: 10.1007/s004640000104.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s004640000104...
, thus finding insufficient evidence to determine the need of conservative treatment with this method.

In terms of surgical approach, studies suggested that laparoscopic approach is feasible in nearly 60% of the patients, but with careful selection 2222. Silva NGOD, Barbosa ABM, Silva NA, AraÚjo DN, Assis TO. Anatomical variations of the superior mesenteric artery and its clinical and surgical implications in humans. Arq Bras Cir Dig. 2020;33(2):e1508. doi: 10.1590/0102-672020190001e1508.
https://doi.org/10.1590/0102-67202019000...
,2424. Syrmis W, Richard R, Jenkins-Marsh S, Chia SC, Good P. Oral water soluble contrast for malignant bowel obstruction. Cochrane Database of Syst Rev 2018,7; (3):CD012014. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD012014.
https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD01201...
. Several publications 99. Cirocchi R, Abraha I, Farinella E, Montedori A, Sciannameo F. Laparoscopic versus open surgery in small bowel obstruction. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2010;2010(2):CD007511. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD007511.
https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD00751...
,1515. Kelly K, Iannuzzi J, Rickles A, Garimella V, Monson J, Fleming F. Laparotomy for small-bowel obstruction: first choice or last resort for adhesiolysis? A laparoscopic approach for small-bowel obstruction reduces 30-day complications. Surg Endosc. 2014;28:65-73. doi: 10.1007/s00464-013-3162-6.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00464-013-3162-...
,2020. O`Connor D, Winter D. The role of laparoscopy in the management of acute small-bowel obstruction: a review of over 2,000 cases. Surg Endosc. 2012; 26:12-17. doi: 10.1007/s00464-011-1885-9.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00464-011-1885-...
suggested that laparoscopic treatment could be better than laparotomic approach in terms of complications (OR 0.7), incisional complications (OR 0.22), and 30-day mortality (OR 0.55). In the present series, the rate of complications and mortality were 28.4% and 5.9%, respectively, as compared to other publications 1515. Kelly K, Iannuzzi J, Rickles A, Garimella V, Monson J, Fleming F. Laparotomy for small-bowel obstruction: first choice or last resort for adhesiolysis? A laparoscopic approach for small-bowel obstruction reduces 30-day complications. Surg Endosc. 2014;28:65-73. doi: 10.1007/s00464-013-3162-6.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00464-013-3162-...
,1616. Khaikin M, Schneidereit N, Cera S, Sands D, Efron J, Weiss EG, Nogueras JJ, Vernava 3rd AM, Wexner SD. Laparoscopic vs. open surgery for acute adhesive small-bowel obstruction: patients’ outcome and cost-effectiveness. Surg Endosc. 2007; 21:742-746. doi: 10.1007/s00464-007-9212-1.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00464-007-9212-...
,2121. Salech F, Ambrosini L, Jackson T, Okrainec A. Laparoscopic versus open surgical management of small bowel obstruction: an analysis of short-term outcomes. Surg Endosc. 2014;28:2381-6. doi: 10.1007/s00464-014-3486-x.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00464-014-3486-...
,2222. Silva NGOD, Barbosa ABM, Silva NA, AraÚjo DN, Assis TO. Anatomical variations of the superior mesenteric artery and its clinical and surgical implications in humans. Arq Bras Cir Dig. 2020;33(2):e1508. doi: 10.1590/0102-672020190001e1508.
https://doi.org/10.1590/0102-67202019000...
.

Risk factors for complications after surgery for SBO have been previously reported. Suter et al concluded that there were no risk factors for intraoperative complications, but accidental bowel perforation (p<0.008) and the need for conversion (p<0.009) were independent variables for an increased risk of POAE (13). This is in contrast with the conclusion suggested by Dindo 1111. Dindo D, Schafer M, Muller MK, Clavien PA, Hahnloser D. Laparoscopy for small bowel obstruction: the reason for conversion matters. Surg Endosc. 2010;24:792-7. doi: 10.1007/s00464-009-0658-1.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00464-009-0658-...
, in which these variables plus ASA >2 were significant in univariate analysis, but in multivariate analysis only conversion due to intraoperative complication was an independent factor for POAE (OR:3.97). In contrast, Duron found that surgical adverse effects were associated with the number of obstructed structures (OR:8.3), nonresected intestinal wall injury (OR:5.3), and intestinal necrosis (OR:5.6). Our results demonstrated that age, especially >80 years, was an independent factor, as mentioned in a study by Chang 66. Chang E, Chung PJ, Smith MC, Lee MJ, Gross DJ, Kao E, Sugiyama G. Can the Laparoscopic Approach for Adhesive Small Bowel Obstruction be Used in Octogenarians? An Observational Study Using ACS NSQIP. J Surg Res. 2019;233:345-350. doi: 10.1016/j.jss.2018.07.064.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jss.2018.07.06...
. Besides, the need for intestinal resection and prolonged stay in ICU were also independent variables. The finding that C-reactive protein >70 was an important risk factor has not been evaluated in other studies.

Although reoperation is a predominant factor for increased morbidity and mortality, only few studies have reported this fact. Our study had a value of 9.2%, as compared to other studies 55. Cacciuttolo G, Villar V, Castillo L, Puelma I. Intestinal Obstruction. Rev Chil Cir. 1980;32:300-3,1010. Csendes A, Pereira P, Zamorano M, Arratia I, Gonzalez J, Carriel F. Medical or surgical treatment of small bowel obstruction. Rev Chil Cir. 2016;68(3):227---232. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.rchic.2014.08.001 0379-3893.
https://doi.org/http://dx.doi.org/10.101...
,1717. Manterola C, Lopez A, Asencio L. Intestinal obstruction: On the subject of a study of 773 cases. Rev Chil Cir. 1996;48:429-39.,2222. Silva NGOD, Barbosa ABM, Silva NA, AraÚjo DN, Assis TO. Anatomical variations of the superior mesenteric artery and its clinical and surgical implications in humans. Arq Bras Cir Dig. 2020;33(2):e1508. doi: 10.1590/0102-672020190001e1508.
https://doi.org/10.1590/0102-67202019000...
. This study is the first to report on the multivariate analysis of reoperation risk factors in those who were surgically treated.

The actual OM of our study was 5.9%, similar to other series 1010. Csendes A, Pereira P, Zamorano M, Arratia I, Gonzalez J, Carriel F. Medical or surgical treatment of small bowel obstruction. Rev Chil Cir. 2016;68(3):227---232. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.rchic.2014.08.001 0379-3893.
https://doi.org/http://dx.doi.org/10.101...
,1212. Duron JJ, Da Silva N, Montcel S, Berger A, Muscari F, Hennet H, Veyrieres M, Hay JM. Adhesive Postoperative Small Bowel Obstruction: Incidence and Risk Factors of Recurrence After Surgical Treatment A Multicenter Prospective Study. Ann Surg. 2006;244:750-7. doi: 10.1097/01.sla.0000225097.60142.68.
https://doi.org/10.1097/01.sla.000022509...
,1717. Manterola C, Lopez A, Asencio L. Intestinal obstruction: On the subject of a study of 773 cases. Rev Chil Cir. 1996;48:429-39.. However, this study only included surgically treated patients, who usually have a worst condition compared to medically treated cases. Other publications have shown that age, preoperative functional status, ASA stage, medical complications, mixed mechanism of obstruction, intestinal resection, malignant etiology, and reoperation influence OM significantly 66. Chang E, Chung PJ, Smith MC, Lee MJ, Gross DJ, Kao E, Sugiyama G. Can the Laparoscopic Approach for Adhesive Small Bowel Obstruction be Used in Octogenarians? An Observational Study Using ACS NSQIP. J Surg Res. 2019;233:345-350. doi: 10.1016/j.jss.2018.07.064.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jss.2018.07.06...
,77. Chin JY, Goldstraw E, Lunniss P, Patel K. Evaluation of the utility of abdominal CT scans in the diagnosis, management, outcome and information given at discharge of patients with non-traumatic acute abdominal pain. Br J Radiol. 2012;85(1017):e596-e602. doi: 10.1259/bjr/95400367.
https://doi.org/10.1259/bjr/95400367...
,1212. Duron JJ, Da Silva N, Montcel S, Berger A, Muscari F, Hennet H, Veyrieres M, Hay JM. Adhesive Postoperative Small Bowel Obstruction: Incidence and Risk Factors of Recurrence After Surgical Treatment A Multicenter Prospective Study. Ann Surg. 2006;244:750-7. doi: 10.1097/01.sla.0000225097.60142.68.
https://doi.org/10.1097/01.sla.000022509...
. In our series, we found that only postoperative variables determine OM.

There are several limitations in this study: (1) it is a retrospective analysis with all the bias; (2) the laparoscopic group represent a small fraction of the entire cohort and therefore were excluded from the analysis; and (3) there is no longer follow-up in order to determine recurrence of SBO.

CONCLUSION

The findings of this study suggest that postoperative course of a patient with SBO submitted to surgical treatment is determined by patient’s age, preoperative C-reactive protein level, necessity of intestinal resection, and the presence of POAEs.

ACKNOWLEDGMENT

The authors specially thank Dra Katya Carrillo and Dra. Natalia Moreno for their statistical suggestions.

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  • How to cite this article: Figueroa-Giralt M, Torrealba A, Gonzalez T, Almeida P, Braghetto I, Csendes A. Risk factors for reoperation, morbidity and mortality in patients with small bowel obstruction submitted to surgical treatment. ABCD Arq Bras Cir Dig. 2022;35:e1654. https://doi.org/10.1590/0102-672020210002e1654

Central message

  • The main factors affecting postoperative course in patients surgically treated for small bowel obstruction were age, preoperative level of C-reactive protein, necessity of intestinal resection, clinical postoperative variables, and the presence of POAE.

Perspective

  • Knowing the prognostic factors allows to make a precise informed consent, assess the postoperative risks accurately, and determine the high-risk population for reoperation.
  • Financial source: none.

Publication Dates

  • Publication in this collection
    17 June 2022
  • Date of issue
    2022

History

  • Received
    09 Aug 2021
  • Accepted
    29 Nov 2021
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