Irritable bowel syndrome worsens faecal incontinence after primary repair of major obstetric anal sphincter injuries.

AIM: Obstetric anal sphincter injuries (OASIS) occur in approximately 3%-6% of vaginal deliveries and are the leading risk factor for late-onset faecal incontinence, which is an underdiagnosed pathology. The aim of this work was to use a validated scoring system to quantify the effect of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) on the severity of faecal incontinence symptoms after primary repair of major OASIS (Grade IIIb-IV). METHOD: A prospective cohort study was performed on all women who underwent primary repair of major OASIS over a 6-year period. They were assessed with ultrasonography within 12 weeks. Two control groups (who did not have OASIS) were women who underwent elective caesarean section and primigravid women. Questionnaires were sent at least 12 months after delivery, or at first consultation for primigravids, which generated the main outcome measures: Cleveland Clinic faecal incontinence severity scores and the presence of IBS based on Rome III criteria. RESULTS: There was a total of 211 patients included in the three groups and the mean follow-up time was 26 months after sphincter repair. Ultrasonographic sphincter defects were detected in 37% but did not affect the faecal incontinence score (p = 0.47), except in patients with IBS. Within each group, patients with IBS had significantly worse faecal incontinence than those without. Women with both OASIS and IBS had the most severe faecal incontinence scores. CONCLUSION: OASIS has a limited negative effect on faecal incontinence, independent of whether residual ultrasonographic sphincter defects are present. However, the presence of IBS has a significant compounding effect on faecal incontinence in OASIS patients. The effect of IBS on faecal incontinence is also notable in caesarean section patients and primigravids, suggesting that IBS is an independent risk-factor that should have its place in predelivery assessment and counselling.

Epiploic steal: is this concept the key to reducing colorectal anastomotic leak rates?

PURPOSE: Ensuring optimal colonic perfusion is a critical step in every colorectal anastomosis. The aim of this study is to describe the concept of epiploic steal. METHODS: A literature review was performed to identify studies evaluating anastomotic blood supply. The fundamental principle of epiploic steal is outlined. RESULTS: Epiploic steal has not been previously evaluated in the literature, and likely has a negative effect on colonic blood supply. Resection of colonic epiploicae may improve perfusion at the distal most lengths of a mobilised colonic conduit where the anastomosis requires it. CONCLUSION: This novel concept has the potential to change practice and reduce colorectal anastomotic leak rates. Further clinical studies are required.

Repeat cytoreductive surgery with HIPEC for colorectal peritoneal metastases: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Colorectal peritoneal metastases (CRPM) are present in 10-20% of patients at the time of their initial cancer diagnosis, and affects over 20% of those who develop colorectal cancer recurrence. Cytoreductive surgery (CRS) with HIPEC is firmly established as the optimal surgical treatment, but there is very little known about the benefit of repeat or iterative CRS. The aim of this review is to provide a systematic evaluation of the perioperative complications, survival outcomes and quality of life in patients undergoing repeat CRS with HIPEC for CRPM. METHODS: A systematic review of PubMed, Ovid MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scopus and Cochrane databases was performed to identify all studies that reported outcomes for repeat CRS with or without HIPEC for CRPM. RESULTS: Four hundred and ninety-three manuscripts were screened, and 15 retrospective studies were suitable for inclusion. Sample sizes ranged from 2 to 30 participants and comprised a total of 229 patients. HIPEC was used in all studies, but exact rates were not consistently stated. Perioperative morbidity was reported in four studies, between 16.7% and 37.5%. Nine studies reported mortality rate which was consistently 0%. The median overall survival after repeat CRS ranged from 20 to 62.6 months. No studies provided quality of life metrics. CONCLUSION: Repeat CRS for CRPM has perioperative morbidity and mortality rates comparable to initial CRS, and offers a potential survival benefit in selected patients. There is however limited high-quality data in the literature.

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy does not improve survival for patients with high volume colorectal peritoneal metastases undergoing cytoreductive surgery.

BACKGROUND: Colorectal peritoneal metastases (CRPM) affects 15% of patients at initial colorectal cancer diagnosis. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) prior to cytoreductive surgery (CRS) has been demonstrated to be a safe and feasible option, however there is limited data describing its efficacy in advanced peritoneal disease. This study evaluated the effect of NAC on survival in patients with high volume CRPM undergoing CRS with or without HIPEC. METHODS: A retrospective review of all patients who underwent CRS with or without HIPEC for CRPM from 2004 to 2019 at our institution was performed. The cohort was divided based on peritoneal carcinomatosis index (PCI) at surgery: Low Volume (PCI ≤ 16) and High Volume (PCI > 16). RESULTS: A total of 326 patients underwent CRS with HIPEC for CRPM. There were 39 patients (12%) with High Volume disease, and 15 of these (38%) received NAC. Patients with High Volume disease had significantly longer operating time, lower likelihood of complete macroscopic cytoreduction (CC-0 score), longer intensive care unit length of stay and longer hospital stay compared to Low Volume disease. In High Volume disease, the NAC group had a significantly shorter median survival of 14.4 months compared to 23.8 months in the non-NAC group (p = 0.046). CONCLUSION: Patients with High Volume CRPM achieved good median survival following CRS with HIPEC, which challenges the current PCI threshold for offering CRS. The use of NAC in this cohort did not increase perioperative morbidity but was associated with significantly shorter median survival compared to upfront surgery.

Fostering interdisciplinary colorectal and gynaecology surgery networks during training is crucial to maximise expertise and innovate patient care.

The importance of interdisciplinary collaboration between specialties has gained significant recognition in recent years, and rightly so with notable benefits to skills acquisition and patient outcomes. Due to the scope of overlapping procedures and clinical scenarios, developing trustable networks between colorectal and gynaecology surgeons must be encouraged as a focus of trainee education. This article highlights the benefits, challenges, and recommendations for fostering such networks.

Relationship between diversional stoma and mortality rate in Fournier's gangrene: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: Fournier's gangrene (FG) is a rare potentially lethal necrotising infection of the perineum. While the gold standard management is early and aggressive surgical debridement, the evidence in the literature is unclear as to the role and outcomes of diversional stoma. METHODS: A systematic review was conducted to identify studies investigating the relationship between stoma formation and FG. Meta-analyses were performed using a random-effects model. RESULTS: Twenty-seven studies (n=1482) were included. There was no significant difference in disease severity scores between the stoma and no stoma groups. Mortality rate was significantly higher in patients who required diversional stoma (OR 1.71, 95% CI 1.13-2.59, p=0.01). Significantly more surgical procedures were performed on patients who underwent stoma formation, and the total hospital cost was also higher in this group. This study may have been limited by bias in patients with more fulminant course or sphincter damage requiring stoma as a medical necessity. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that the use of diversional stoma in FG is a predictor of poor outcomes. This study demonstrated that mortality rate remained high and a diversional stoma did not reduce risk of mortality as suggested by smaller case series. Its use should therefore be individualised based on disease severity and sphincter damage.

Transhepatic Bromelain and Acetylcysteine for Treatment of Posterior Gastric Pseudomyxoma Peritonei: A Case Report.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP) is a rare condition characterized by diffuse spread of mucinous tumors within the peritoneal cavity. Traditional treatment modalities, such as cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) are challenging in cases of recurrent disease, owing to anatomical complexities and increasing morbidity and mortality risk. BromAc® has emerged as a novel, targeted therapy for PMP with evidence for intra-tumoral administration to break down mucin deposits. CASE REPORT: We present a 70-year-old female with confirmed diagnosis of symptomatic appendiceal PMP situated behind the stomach, refractory to prior CRS and HIPEC. Transhepatic intra-tumor injection of BromAc® was performed, guided by imaging, with catheter placement into the posterior gastric mucinous tumor. The procedure was well-tolerated, and post-treatment imaging revealed a significant 40% reduction in tumor burden. The patient had fever on cycle days two and three, which self-resolved and septic screen performed was negative. Following BromAc® administration, the patient demonstrated improvement in symptoms and quality of life. CONCLUSION: This case highlights the potential efficacy and safety of transhepatic administration of BromAc® for the treatment of recurrent PMP behind the stomach. The targeted delivery of BromAc® directly into a mucinous tumor via the transhepatic route offers a minimally invasive alternative for cases where traditional surgical interventions pose challenges. However, further research and clinical trials are warranted to validate the broader applicability of this novel approach, assess long-term outcomes, and optimize procedural parameters for enhanced therapeutic outcomes in PMP treatment.

When all else fails: the colo-duodenal anastomosis.

Total enterectomy is an exceedingly rare procedure performed out of necessity due to massive intestinal infarction, trauma, or peritoneal malignancy. This case describes a 47-year-old patient who has successfully undergone the procedure to manage mesenteric ischaemia. Bowel continuity was achieved with a duodenocolonic anastomosis, and the patient has been transitioned to life-long total parental nutrition. This case highlights that carefully selected patients can achieve long-term survival with good quality of life rather than palliation.

Peritoneal Tuberculosis in Western Countries: A Rare Case With Concurrent Helminthic Infection.

This case report presents a rare case of peritoneal tuberculosis (TB) coexisting with a helminthic infection in a 25-year-old female residing in Australia, highlighting the diagnostic challenges posed by abdominal TB. Despite the low incidence of TB in Western countries, abdominal TB remains a diagnostic dilemma due to its nonspecific symptoms and potential mimicry of other abdominal pathologies. The case highlights the importance of considering TB as a differential diagnosis of unexplained abdominal symptoms, particularly in individuals with a history of travel or previous residence in high-endemic regions. A multidisciplinary approach involving infectious disease specialists, radiologists, and surgeons is essential for comprehensive management. Prompt initiation of anti-TB therapy is recommended once diagnosis is confirmed.

Micropapillary pattern in colorectal cancer: an Australian multicentre experience.

BACKGROUND: Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer worldwide. Micropapillary carcinoma (MPC) is increasingly identified as a poor prognostic marker in various cancers, including breast, bladder and lung. It remains an under recognized subtype in colorectal cancer. The aim of this study is to evaluate the prevalence, implications and impact on survival of MPC in colorectal cancer in an Australian cohort. METHODS: A retrospective review of all colorectal cancer resections in two tertiary centres in Sydney Australia was performed, between 2019 and 2024. MPC was identified on histolopathology as per standard guidelines of the resected specimens. Variables collected included age, sex, TNM, site, lymphovascular invasion (LVI), and lymph node involvement. RESULTS: Of 597 colorectal cancer resections during the study period, 21 cases of MPC were identified (3.5%). Mean age was 60 years (SD 15 years). Twenty patients (95%) had T3-T4 tumours, 19 (90%) had positive lymph node involvement, 18 (86%) had confirmed or suspected LVI, and 4 (19%) had distant metastatic disease. Overall 1-year survival was 90% and 3-year survival was 76%. CONCLUSION: MPC is associated with high risk features in colorectal adenocarcinoma. Accurate histopathological diagnosis of these more aggressive cancers should guide prognostication, individualized adjuvant treatment and close surveillance.

National screening for colorectal cancer is associated with stage shift to earlier diagnosis.

BACKGROUND: Australia's National Bowel Cancer Screening Program consists of an immunohistochemical faecal occult blood test, targeting adults aged 50-74. Existing literature supports the principle of early detection of colorectal cancer (CRC) via national screening, but little is known about the association between colonoscopy or polypectomy rates and CRC stage over time. The aim of this study is to identify the longitudinal change to colonoscopy and polypectomy rates, and any stage shift associated with this screening program. METHODS: A retrospective data-linkage study was performed using the Australian national health database (Medicare) to obtain colonoscopy and polypectomy rates between 1998 and 2017. A second prospective database of CRC resection specimens was analysed for this period. The cohort was divided based on time intervals related to the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program: pre-commencement 1998-2006 (Period A), immediately post-commencement 2007-2011 (Period B), and subsequent years 2012-2017 (Period C). Linear regression was used to test relation between annualized predictor and response variables. RESULTS: Annual colonoscopy rates doubled, and polypectomy rates tripled during the study (P < 0.001). Annual colonoscopy rate correlated to a lower T-stage (P = 0.038) and lower N-stage (P = 0.026), and there was a 7% increase in early CRC (stage I-II) in Period C (P < 0.001). Across the study period there was also a significant increase in right-sided tumours, and concurrent MMR deficiency and BRAF mutation. CONCLUSION: Polypectomy and colonoscopy rates increased after the introduction of the National Bowel Cancer screening program. There was a clinically significant shift to earlier CRC stage which manifested 5 years after its implementation.

Outcomes following anastomotic leak from rectal resections, including bowel function and quality of life.

PURPOSE: Anastomotic leak (AL) is an uncommon but potentially devastating complication after rectal resection. We aim to provide an updated assessment of bowel function and quality of life after AL, as well as associated short- and long-term outcomes. METHODS: A retrospective audit of all rectal resections performed at a colorectal unit and associated private hospitals over the past 10 years was performed. Relevant demographic, operative, and histopathological data were collected. A prospective survey was performed regarding patients' quality of life and fecal continence. These patients were matched with nonAL patients who completed the same survey. RESULTS: One hundred patients (out of 1,394 resections) were included. AL was contained in 66.0%, not contained in 10.0%, and only anastomotic stricture in 24.0%. Management was antibiotics only in 39.0%, percutaneous drainage in 9.0%, operative abdominal drainage in 19.0%, transrectal drainage in 6.0%, combination of percutaneous drainage and transrectal drainage in 2.0%, and combination abdominal/transrectal drainage in 1.0%. The 1-year stoma rate was 15.0%. Overall, mean Fecal Incontinence Severity Instrument scores were higher for AL patients than their matched counterparts (8.06±10.5 vs. 2.92±4.92, P=0.002). Patients with an AL had a mean EuroQol visual analogue scale (EQ-VAS) of 76.23±19.85; this was lower than the matched mean EQ-VAS for non-AL patients of 81.64±18.07, although not statistically significant (P=0.180). CONCLUSION: The majority of AL patients in this study were managed with antibiotics only. AL was associated with higher fecal incontinence scores in the long-term; however, this did not equate to lower quality of life scores.

Reviewing perianal abscess management and recurrence: lessons from a trainee perspective.

BACKGROUND: Perianal abscesses are a common surgical emergency. Due to their perceived ease, drainage is often delegated to junior trainees with varying levels of experience. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the current trend in perianal abscesses management at our institution, and identify factors that predict subsequent fistula formation or abscess recurrence. METHODS: All acute patients admitted to a major teaching hospital who required surgical drainage of a perianal abscess were analysed over a two-year period from January 2019 to December 2020. Patient demographics, clinical and laboratory findings were retrospectively reviewed. Proceduralist experience, operative management strategy and recurrence rates (fistula or abscess) were analysed. RESULTS: The mean age of patients was 43 years old, and 73% were male. Trainees performed 96% of the procedures. Re-presentation with a fistula or abscess recurrence requiring further surgery was 31%. Comorbidities of IBD, diabetes, or malignancy were present in one-third of patients and significantly increased the risk of recurrence (P = 0.01). Searching for a fistula tract was performed in 41% of cases but did not reduce recurrence (P = 0.9). Seton insertion occurred in 10%, and fistulotomy in 2%. CONCLUSION: Perianal abscess drainage at our institution is almost exclusively performed by trainees, the majority of which occurs after-hours. Patients who present with a fever, inflammatory bowel disease, diabetes mellitus or malignancy are at an increased risk of recurrent abscess or a subsequent fistula after drainage, and input from an experienced surgeon may be of value when considering seton insertion or fistulotomy.

A new hernia: Meckel's diverticulum within a parastomal hernia.

A Meckel's diverticulum is a true diverticulum containing all layers of bowel wall. An infrequently encountered sequela of this is a Littre's hernia, typically inguinal or femoral. This is the first description of a Meckel's diverticulum within a parastomal hernia. When encountered incidentally at surgery, resection should be considered on a case-by-case basis to prevent future complications of bleeding, obstruction or perforation.

Necrotic Excluded Gastric Remnant Post Gastric Bypass: A Rare Fatal Complication.

We report an unusual case of a 76-year-old woman with a necrotic perforated excluded gastric pouch who had stomach partitioning gastrojejunostomy 20 years earlier for morbid obesity. The necrotic mucosa of the excluded gastric pouch was seen on gastroscopy with retrograde cannulation from the pylorus. Laparotomy revealed a distended excluded stomach with full-thickness ischaemia of the posterior wall with perforation into the lesser sac. Partial gastrectomy with Roux-en-Y gastrojejunostomy was performed. We strongly suggest early surgical exploration for these patients when they are hemodynamically unstable or do not have a precise diagnosis despite imaging to prevent potentially life-threatening gastric pouch necrosis. We advocate for avoiding risk factors like alcohol, nicotine, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and implement preoperative Helicobacter pylori testing and its eradication to reduce the incidence of perforation in the excluded pouch.