OBJECTIVE: This work investigated the effect of an abdominal corset on the colonoscopy completion rate, as well as cecum and ileum intubation time, total colonoscopy time, and pain score in centrally obese patients.
METHODS: Patients were randomized into two groups, with 50 patients in each group. A colonoscopy was performed using the abdominal corset in Group 1 and the standard method in Group 2. The comparison between the groups evaluated demographic data, procedure details, circulatory dynamics, anesthesia data, and visual analogue scale (VAS).
RESULTS: Of the patients included in the study, 60 were female, and 40 were male, with a mean age of 57.3 ± 13.6 years. Cecal intubation time (Z: -2.66 p: 0.008), total colonoscopy time (Z: -2.180 p: 0.029), number of maneuvers (χ2: 8.391 p: 0.039), and VAS (Z: -3.087 p: 0.002) were significantly lower in the abdominal corset group.
CONCLUSIONS: An abdominal corset that applies external abdominal compression reduces the cecal intubation time, the total colonoscopy time, the number of maneuvers, and the pain level.
BACKGROUND: NCT03128645 (https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT03128645?tab=results).

Transient receptor potential canonical channel 6 (TRPC6) is a non-selective cation channel that is activated by diacylglycerol. It belongs to the TRP superfamily, is expressed in numerous tissues and has been shown to be associated with diseases, such as focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension and cardiac hypertrophy. The investigation of the channel in human lymphoid tissues has thus far been limited to mRNA analysis or the western blotting of isolated lymphoid cell lines. The present study aimed to detect the channel in human lymphoid tissue using immunohistochemistry. For this purpose, lymphatic tissues were obtained from body donors. The lymphatic organs analyzed included the lymph nodes, spleen, palatine tonsil, gut-associated lymphoid tissues (ileum and vermiform appendix) and thymus. A total of 102 samples were obtained and processed for hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining. The H&E staining method was employed to identify five samples with good morphology. In total, three samples of the palatine tonsil of patients were included. Immunostaining was carried out using a knockout-validated anti-TRPC6 antibody. As shown by the results, using immunohistochemical staining, the presence of TRPC6 was confirmed in all the analyzed lymphatic tissue samples. Lymphocytes in lymph nodes, spleen, palatine tonsil, thymus, and gut-associated lymphatic tissues in ileum and vermiform appendix exhibited a positive staining signal. The follicle-associated epithelium of the palatine tonsil, ileum and appendix also demonstrated staining. Vessels of the lymphatic organs, particularly the trabecular arteries of the spleen, the submucosal vessels of the appendix and ileum, as well as the high endothelial venules in the palatine tonsils and lymphatic vessels of the lymph nodes expressed TRPC6 protein. TRPC6 in follicles may be involved in the immune response. TRPC6 in high endothelial venules suggests a role in leukocyte migration. The role of TRPC6 and other channels of the TRP family in lymphatic organs warrant further investigations to elucidate whether TRP channels are a pharmacological target.

Terminal ileal ulcers can have various etiologies, including Crohn\'s disease (CD), infections, and medication-related causes. This study aims to investigate the incidence of terminal ileal ulcers detected during colonoscopies, explore their underlying causes, and analyze their clinical, endoscopic, and histopathological characteristics. Additionally, the study aims to identify predictive factors that indicate the need for follow-up. Medical records of all patients who underwent colonoscopies, between 2009 and 2019 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients with terminal ileal ulcers, with or without ileocecal valve involvement, were included in the study. Demographic information, medication usage, symptoms, colonoscopy findings, and histopathological data of these patients were analyzed. A total of 398 patients were included in the study. Histopathological examination revealed that 243 patients (61%) had active ileitis, and 69 patients (17.4%) had chronic active ileitis. The final diagnoses for ulcers were: nonspecific ulcers in 212 patients (53.3%), CD in 66 patients (16.6%), and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug-induced ulcers in 58 patients (14.6%). In the multivariate analysis, the parameters predicting CD included the presence of 10 or more ulcers (odds ratio (OR) = 7.305), deep ulcers (OR = 7.431), and edematous surrounding tissue (OR = 5.174), all of which were statistically significant (P < .001). Upon final evaluation, only 66 patients (16.6%) were diagnosed with CD, while 212 patients (53.3%) had nonspecific ulcers. The majority of patients with healed ulcers exhibited pathological findings consistent with active ileitis. Therefore, it can be concluded that not all terminal ileal ulcers are indicative of CD. In those cases with active ileitis, repetitive colonoscopies should be reconsidered.

Introduction One of the most frequent emergencies that a general surgeon deals with is perforation peritonitis. The anatomical site of the perforation, which in turn affects the source of infection, has a major impact on the mortality rate due to perforation peritonitis. Early and suitable antibiotic therapy can be started in the postoperative period with the aid of knowledge about the microbiological profile and sensitivity of peritoneal fluid culture with respect to the anatomical sites of perforation peritonitis. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted from June 2021 to November 2021 where peritoneal fluid samples were collected intraoperatively from patients with perforation peritonitis. This was subjected to culture and sensitivity, and results were analyzed with respect to anatomical sites of perforation. Results Forty cases were investigated. The ileum (30%) was the most common site of perforation, followed by the stomach (22.5%), appendix (20%), duodenum (12.5%), caecum (5%), jejunum (5%), transverse colon (2.5%), and rectum (2.5%). Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Klebsiella spp. were the most frequently found organisms in all sites of perforation peritonitis. The most sensitive antibiotics covering all isolated organisms were amikacin and meropenem. Sensitivity to amikacin was found in 85.18% of cases of E. coli and 84.6% of cases of Klebsiella. Sensitivity to meropenem was found in 76.9% of cases of E. coli and 80% of cases of Klebsiella. Conclusion In patients with perforation peritonitis, the peritoneal fluid cultures did not reflect the major differential normal flora according to the region of the gastrointestinal tract. The most prevalent organism isolated among all the sites of perforation peritonitis was E. coli. Antimicrobial activity against organisms isolated from perforation peritonitis patients was significantly demonstrated by aminoglycosides, piperacillin and tazobactam, and meropenem and colistin, with considerable resistance to third-generation cephalosporins.

BACKGROUND: Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a critical stage in the progression of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), characterized by obvious inflammation and fibrosis. Because of its high incidence rate and serious consequences, NASH is becoming a global health problem. The influence of endotoxin translocation on NASH is receiving attention. As a traditional Chinese herb that effectively improves hepatic inflammation, Fructus Aurantii (Quzhou origin, FAQ) is widely used in the clinical treatment of NASH. However, the intervention mechanism of FAQ on reg3g and related endotoxin translocation remains unclear.
OBJECTIVE: To study the mechanism of the impact by which ileal regenerating family member 3 gamma (reg3g) deficiency and subsequent endotoxin translocation impact the progression of NASH; To elucidate the efficacy and mechanism of FAQ in the treatment of NASH.
METHODS: Clinical serum, ileal tissue, and dynamic NASH model-related analyses collectively confirmed that reg3g is a pivotal gene associated with NASH. Reg3g-/- mice were used to assess the impact of reg3g on liver injury, inflammation, and fibrosis, as well as the underlying mechanism involved. In vitro studies elucidated the regulatory effects of FAQ on reg3g, intestinal barrier function, and intestinal permeability. Subsequently, the efficacy of FAQ was investigated in NASH mouse models. Pathological examinations combined with Western blotting (WB), immunohistochemistry (IHC), and multiplex immunohistochemical (mIHC) analyses were used to evaluate the effects of FAQ on mucosal repair and barrier function. Transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER), fluorescein isothiocyanate-dextran 4 (FD-4) experiments, coupled with enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and chromogenic LAL endotoxin assay were used to confirm intestinal permeability and endotoxin translocation. The results of WB and mIHC reflected the levels of endotoxin recruitment and M1 macrophage polarization in the liver. Parameters such as body weight, transaminases, and cholesterol were utilized to assess the metabolic effects of FAQ.
RESULTS: Decreased expression of reg3g was associated with the progression of NASH. Ileal deficiency in reg3g resulted in damage to the intestinal barrier and permeability, leading to the recruitment of endotoxins via the \'gut-liver\' axis to the liver, causing the polarization of M1 macrophages, release of inflammatory factors, excessive inflammation, and activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), leading to fibrosis. FAQ significantly upregulated ileal reg3g expression and the expression of intestinal barrier-related proteins tight junction protein 1 (ZO-1) and occludin (OLCN) in mice (p < 0.05), thereby improving intestinal barrier function and permeability. Reduced intestinal permeability led to decreases in endotoxins entering the bloodstream and accumulating in the liver (p < 0.05). The expression of CD68 suggested reduced polarization of M1 macrophages. Expression levels of actin alpha 2, smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and extracellular matrix (ECM)-related proteins also decreased, indicating improved liver fibrosis.
CONCLUSIONS: FAQ ameliorates NASH by upregulating the expression of reg3g. The upregulation of reg3g contributes to the repair of the intestinal barrier and permeability, reducing the recruitment of endotoxins and subsequent polarization of M1 macrophages, excessive inflammation, and fibrosis.

BACKGROUND: This randomized clinical trial evaluated the clinical outcomes of two surgical interventions for obesity treatment: single-anastomosis duodeno-ileal bypass with sleeve gastrectomy (SADI) and biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch (BPD/DS). The SADI procedure was developed as a response to the challenges posed by the BPD/DS procedure, aiming to enhance surgical efficiency, minimize postoperative risks, and maintain therapeutic efficacy. The present study primarily focused on early complications and short-term results.
METHODS: Fifty-six patients with a body mass index (BMI) ranging from 42 to 72 kg/m2 were randomly assigned to either the SADI or BPD/DS procedure. Parameters compared included % excess weight loss (%EWL), % total weight loss (%TWL), length of hospital stay (LOS), re-admission rates, and complications.
RESULTS: Both groups had similar demographics and baseline characteristics. SADI had a mean operating time of 109 min, significantly shorter than BPD/DS at 139 min (p < 0.001). Early complications occurred in five patients in the SADI group and in four patients in the BPD/DS group with no mortality. Median LOS was 2 days for both SADI and BPD/DS. Within 30 days, one SADI patient and three BPD/DS patients required re-admission. Serious late complications necessitating reoperation were observed in three SADI and two BPD/DS patients. After 1 year, %EWL and %TWL were similar: SADI (81.8% ± 13.6% and 40.1% ± 5.9%) and BPD/DS (84.2% ± 14.0% and 41.6% ± 6.4%).
CONCLUSIONS: This trial suggests that both the SADI and BPD/DS yield comparable weight loss outcomes after 1 year, with a notable risk profile.
BACKGROUND: NCT03938571 ( http://www.
RESULTS: gov ).

BACKGROUND: Retrospective research suggests that excision of the affected mesentery can improve outcomes after an ileocoecal resection in Crohn\'s disease. However, prospective data from randomised controlled trials are scarce. We aimed to compare rates of postoperative recurrence in patients with Crohn\'s disease who underwent extended mesenteric resection.
METHODS: This international, randomised controlled trial was done in six hospitals and tertiary care centres in the Netherlands and Italy. Eligible patients were aged 16 years or older and had Crohn\'s disease that was previously confirmed by endoscopy in the terminal ileum or ileocolic region (L1 or L3 disease), with an imaging update in the past 3 months (ultrasound, MRI, or CT enterography). Eligible patients were scheduled to undergo primary ileocolic resection with ileocolic anastomosis. Enrolled patients were assigned by use of simple random allocation (1:1) to either extended mesenteric resection (intervention) or conventional mesenteric sparing resection (control). The primary endpoint was endoscopic recurrence 6 months after surgery. Analyses were done in all patients with primary endpoint data, excluding those who had no anastomosis, a postoperative diagnosis other than Crohn\'s disease, or withdrew consent. This trial was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04538638.
RESULTS: Between Feb 19, 2020, and April 24, 2023, we assessed 217 patients for eligibility. 78 patients were excluded due to failure to meet the inclusion criteria or refusal to participate. 139 patients were enrolled and randomly assigned to either extended mesenteric resection (n=71) or mesenteric sparing resection (n=68). All 139 patients underwent surgery. Six patients were excluded after random assignment due to withdrawal of consent (n=2), postoperative diagnosis other than Crohn\'s disease (n=2) and no anastomosis performed (in case of a stoma; n=2). Two patients were lost to follow-up, and two more patients deviated from the protocol by undergoing investigations other than endoscopy 6 months after. 133 patients were included in the baseline analysis (67 in the extended resection group and 66 in the sparing resection group) of whom 57 (43%) were male. Baseline characteristics were similar between the groups, and median patient age was 36 years (IQR 25-54). 131 patients were analysed for the primary outcome. There was no difference between groups in the rate of endoscopic recurrence at 6 months after surgery (28 [42%] of 66 patients in the extended mesenteric resection group vs 28 [43%] of 65 patients in the mesenteric sparing resection group, relative risk 0·985, 95% CI 0·663-1·464; p=1·0). Five (8%) of 66 patients in the extended mesenteric resection group had anastomotic leakage within the 30 days after surgery, as did one (2%) of 65 in the mesenteric sparing group. Postoperative complications of Clavien-Dindo grade IIIa or higher were reported in seven (11%) patients in the mesenteric resection group and five (8%) in the mesenteric sparing group.
CONCLUSIONS: Extended mesenteric resection was not superior to conventional resection with regard to endoscopic Crohn\'s disease recurrence. These data support the guideline-recommended mesenteric sparing approach.
BACKGROUND: Topconsortia voor Kennis en Innovatie-Topsector Life Sciences & Health.

Sepsis denotes a serious high mortality concern. The study was designed to evaluate the effect of mesenchymal stem cell exosomes (MSC-exosomes) on the evolution of the animal model of sepsis. In this study, 36 rats were distributed into three groups, (I) controls, (II) LPS-treated, and (III) LPS+MSC-EVs. Sepsis was simulated by administering E. coli-LPS to the laboratory animals. Group III was given MSC-exosomes four hours after the LPS injection. Forty-eight hours later rats were sacrificed. Ileum samples were excised, and processed for the histological assessment, immunohistochemical identification of CD44, and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). Ileum homogenate was used to estimate tumor necrosis factor α (TNF α) besides Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX 2). PCR was used for the detection of interleukin 1α (IL‑1α), and interleukin 17 (IL‑17). Statistical and morphometrical analysis was done. The LPS-treated group showed increased TNF-α, IL‑1α, IL‑17, and decreased COX 2. LPS administration led to cytoplasmic vacuolization of enterocytes, an increase in the vasculature, and cellular infiltrations invaded the lamina propria. There was a significant rise in goblet cells and the proportion of collagen fibers. Ultrastructurally, the enterocytes displayed nuclear irregularity, rough endoplasmic reticulum (rER) dilatation, and increased mitochondria number. Sepsis induces a significant increase in iNOS and a decrease in CD44 immune expressions. LPS+MSC-EVs group restored normal ileum structure and revealed a significant elevation in CD44 and a reduction in iNOS immunoreactions. LPS-sepsis induced an obvious ileum inflammatory deterioration ameliorated by MSC-exosomes, mostly through their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic properties.

BACKGROUND: Although minimally invasive surgery for Crohn\'s disease has been validated in previous studies, most of those reports have referred to laparoscopic-assisted procedures with an extra-corporeal anastomosis.
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the short- and long-term outcomes of total laparoscopic ileocolic resection with an intracorporeal anastomosis for Crohn\'s disease patients.
METHODS: We conducted a single-center retrospective review of all patients who underwent primary ileocolic resection for Crohn\'s disease between 2010 and 2021. Group A included 34 patients who underwent total laparoscopic ileocolic resection with intracorporeal anastomosis. Group B comprised 144 patients who underwent an open or laparoscopic-assisted procedure.
RESULTS: No differences were noted in operative time (mean 167 minutes vs. 152 minutes, P = 0.122), length of stay (median 6.4 days vs. 7.5 days, P = 0.135), readmission rates (11.8% vs. 13.2%, P = 1), and microscopic involvement of surgical margins (7.7% vs. 18.5%, P = 0.249). Group A had significantly fewer postoperative surgical site infections (2.9% vs. 22.2% respectively, P = 0.013), with no differences in other complications prevalence. After a median follow-up of 46 months, there were similar rates of endoscopic recurrence (47.1% vs. 51.4%, P = 0.72), clinical recurrence (35.3% vs. 47.9%, P = 0.253), and surgical recurrence (2.9% vs. 4.9%, P = 0.722).
CONCLUSIONS: Total laparoscopic ileocolic resection with intracorporeal anastomosis for Crohn\'s disease is safe and resulted in favorable outcomes in terms of postoperative wound healing. The long-term disease recurrence rates were like those of laparoscopic-assisted and open ileocolic resection.

OBJECTIVE: Crohn\'s disease has debilitating effects on patients\' quality of life. Currently, there are limited data on the effect of anastomotic configuration on health-related quality of life after ileocaecal resection for Crohn\'s disease. This study aimed to assess the impact of Kono-S anastomosis on quality of life after ileocolic resection, compared to the conventional side-to-side anastomosis.
METHODS: Patients with primary or recurrent Crohn\'s disease participating in the ongoing SuPREMe-CD trial were interviewed about quality of life using the Inflammatory Bowel Disease Questionnaire (IBDQ). The primary endpoint was disease-specific quality of life, assessed with IBDQ. Secondary outcomes were quality of life related to bowel symptoms, systemic symptoms, social function and emotional function.
RESULTS: Of the 94 patients included, 51 (54%) received the conventional side-to-side anastomosis and 43 (46%) the Kono-S anastomosis. Demographics were comparable between the two groups. The IBDQ was assessed at a mean follow-up of 54.0 ± 18.7 months from surgical intervention. The mean total IBDQ score was 155.1 ± 28.07 in the conventional group and 163.8 ± 25.23 in the Kono-S group (P = 0.11). When considering bowel symptoms and social function, mean scores were 50.7 and 23.5 in the conventional group, and 56.3 and 26.5 in the Kono-S group (P = 0.002 and P = 0.02, respectively). Kono-S anastomosis was independently associated with improved quality of life regarding bowel symptoms (P = 0.006) and social function (P = 0.03) after correcting for other confounding factors on linear regression analysis.
CONCLUSIONS: Compared to conventional side-to-side anastomosis, patients with Kono-S anastomosis presented significantly better bowel symptoms and social function scores at 54 months after surgery.