Budget-impact model for colonoscopy cost calculation and comparison between 2 litre PEG+ASC and sodium picosulphate with magnesium citrate or sodium phosphate oral bowel cleansing agents.

OBJECTIVE: With the availability of several bowel cleansing agents, physicians and hospitals performing colonoscopies will often base their choice of cleansing agent purely on acquisition cost. Therefore, an easy to use budget impact model has been developed and established as a tool to compare total colon preparation costs between different established bowel cleansing agents. METHODS: The model was programmed in Excel and designed as a questionnaire evaluating information on treatment costs for a range of established bowel cleansing products. The sum of costs is based on National Health Service reference costs for bowel cleansing products. Estimations are made for savings achievable when using a 2-litre polyethylene glycol with ascorbate components solution (PEG+ASC) in place of other bowel cleansing solutions. Test data were entered into the model to confirm validity and sensitivity. The model was then applied to a set of audit cost data from a major hospital colonoscopy unit in the UK. RESULTS: Descriptive analysis of the test data showed that the main cost drivers in the colonoscopy process are the procedure costs and costs for bed days rather than drug acquisition costs, irrespective of the cleansing agent. Audit data from a colonoscopy unit in the UK confirmed the finding with a saving of £107,000 per year in favour of PEG+ASC when compared to sodium picosulphate with magnesium citrate solution (NaPic+MgCit). For every patient group the model calculated overall cost savings. This was irrespective of the higher drug expenditure associated with the use of PEG+ASC for bowel preparation. Savings were mainly realized through reduced costs for repeat colonoscopy procedures and associated costs, such as inpatient length of stay. CONCLUSIONS: The budget impact model demonstrated that the primary cost driver was the procedure cost for colonoscopy. Savings can be realized through the use of PEG+ASC despite higher drug acquisition costs relative to the comparator products. From a global hospital funding perspective, the acquisition costs of bowel preparations should not be used as the primary reason to select the preferred treatment agent, but should be part of the consideration, with an emphasis on the clinical outcome.

Extramural vascular invasion is an adverse prognostic indicator of survival in patients with colorectal cancer.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Extramural vascular invasion (EVI) in colorectal cancer is reported to be a stage-independent adverse prognostic factor, and is a core item in the Royal College of Pathologists minimum data set for colorectal cancer histopathology reporting. The detection of EVI is also highly variable amongst pathologists. Our aims were to analyse both the frequency of EVI in colorectal cancer resections, and the effect of EVI on survival, in patients operated on over a 5-year period. METHOD: A retrospective analysis of patients having potentially curative surgery for colorectal cancer between January 1999 and December 2004. RESULTS: Over 5 years, 378 patients underwent a potentially curative resection. One-hundred seven (28.3%) cancers exhibited EVI, of which 104 (97%) were T3 and T4 tumours. Survival curves with and without EVI, unadjusted for nodal status and T stage, were significantly different (P = 0.0001) with 5-year survivals of 52% and 73% respectively. Survival curves for T3 and T4 tumours stratified with and without EVI also showed significantly different survival distributions (P = 0.007). A significant difference in frequency of EVI year on year was seen (P < 0.001), ranging from 8.5% to 46.7%, whereas the number of T3 and T4 tumours in each year was not significantly different (P = 0.677). CONCLUSIONS: EVI is an adverse prognostic indicator for survival in patients undergoing potentially curative resection of colorectal cancer, and the routine requirement of EVI in colorectal cancer histopathology reporting is justified. Optimal specimen preparation, meticulous histopathological analysis and regular auditing of EVI detection rates are essential for the accurate staging of colorectal cancer.

The NHS Bowel Cancer Screening Programme--a realistic approach with additional benefits.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer and the second most common cause of cancer death in the UK with 36 100 new cases diagnosed each year in England and Wales and 55% of all patients presenting with lymph node metastases at the time of diagnosis. Early detection, before the development of symptoms, may be an effective way of reducing mortality and it is this which a screening programme seeks to address. The NHS Bowel Cancer Screening Programme (NHS BCSP) commenced in April 2006 and invites men and women aged 60-69 to participate via submission of a faecal occult blood test every 2 years; those with a positive result will be offered colonoscopy as the next investigation of choice. This article will explore the background to the programme, including the financial considerations behind it and the implication that this has had on colonoscopy standards and training in the UK. The chosen programme is not the most effective neither in terms of survival benefit nor cost effectiveness but is a compromise within a financially strained health care system. Endoscopy standards because of its introduction have, however, considerably improved in terms of patient experience, safety and improved practice.

Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) reduces crypt cell proliferation and increases apoptosis in normal colonic mucosa in subjects with a history of colorectal adenomas.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil exert a protective effect on the development of colorectal cancer in animal models. Patients with colorectal adenomas have been shown to have increased crypt cell proliferation and decreased apoptosis in macroscopically normal appearing colonic mucosa. We investigated whether dietary supplementation with eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) could alter crypt cell proliferation and apoptosis in such patients. PATIENTS/METHODS: Thirty subjects were randomised to either 3 months of highly purified EPA in free fatty acid form (2 g/day) or to no treatment. Colonic biopsies were taken at the initial colonoscopy and repeated 3 months later, and analysed for cell proliferation and apoptosis (immunohistochemistry) and mucosal fatty acid content. RESULTS/FINDINGS: Crypt cell proliferation was significantly reduced whilst apoptosis was significantly increased after EPA supplementation. Neither crypt cell proliferation nor apoptosis were altered in the control group. EPA in the mucosa increased significantly after EPA supplementation, whereas there was no significant change in controls. CONCLUSIONS: Dietary supplementation with EPA significantly increases levels of this fatty acid in colonic mucosa, associated with significantly reduced proliferation and increased mucosal apoptosis. Further studies are needed to assess the potential efficacy of EPA supplementation in preventing polyps in the chemoprevention of colorectal cancer.

Diverticular disease of the colon: ethnic differences in frequency.

BACKGROUND: Colonic diverticular disease is more common in Western populations than in developing countries. AIM: To determine whether the frequency of colonic diverticular disease is different in British patients of Indian-subcontinent Asian origin compared with other ethnic groups. METHODS: All colonoscopies performed over a 3-year period in a London hospital were studied. Patients of Indian-subcontinent Asian origin were identified by name. RESULTS: Five of 134 Indian-subcontinent Asian males (4%) had colonic diverticular disease, compared with 278 of 1268 patients of other ethnic groups (22%; P < 0.001). Five of 91 Indian-subcontinent Asian females (6%) had colonic diverticular disease, compared with 333 of 1486 patients of other ethnic groups (23%; P < 0.001). Although patients of Indian-subcontinent Asian origin (54.8 +/- 15.8 years) were younger than those of other ethnic groups (60.3 +/- 17.8 years; P < 0.0001), the ethnic difference in the frequency of diverticular disease persisted even when age was taken into account. CONCLUSION: There is a lower frequency of colonic diverticular disease in Indian-subcontinent Asians presenting for colonoscopy, compared with other ethnic groups. This cannot be explained by sex or age differences. Our findings require confirmation, but may provide opportunities for research into the aetiology of colonic diverticular disease.

Review article: chemoprevention of colorectal cancer.

Colorectal cancer is a disease with a high mortality at present, due to the late stage at which many cases present. Attention is therefore focusing on preventative strategies for colorectal cancer given that polyps appear to be identifiable and treatable precursor lesions of this disease. Endoscopic polypectomy has been shown to reduce the incidence of colorectal cancer and there is a good case for endoscopic screening of the general population. However, this will require a large amount of manpower and resources and its success will also depend on the overall compliance of the population. Epidemiological studies have shown that individuals reporting a regular intake of aspirin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs have a reduced risk of developing colorectal polyps and cancer. Similarly, a number of natural substances, such as calcium and folate, when supplemented regularly in the diet, have also been linked to a possible decreased incidence of colorectal cancer. This has led to the concept of using such agents to reduce the number of cases of colorectal cancer. In this article, we review the current evidence for the use of these and other agents for the chemoprevention of colorectal cancer, together with theories as to their possible mechanisms of action.

Postoperative stay following colorectal surgery: a study of factors associated with prolonged hospital stay.

AIM: To study the factors that contribute to postoperative stay following colorectal surgery. DESIGN: A prospective observational study. SETTING: Three colorectal surgical units - a teaching hospital, a large district general hospital and a district general hospital. PARTICIPANTS: 350 patients undergoing colorectal surgery. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: 28 pre-, peri- and postoperative patient- and treatment-related factors. RESULTS: Stepwise regression analysis suggests that the factors that significantly lengthen postoperative stay include a low albumin on admission, stoma formation, operative blood loss, urinary and respiratory complications, wound infections, postoperative ventilation and social delay at the time of discharge. The postoperative stay was not affected by patient age or by the seniority of the surgical team. CONCLUSIONS: Factors have been identified that determine the postoperative length of stay. These data may allow better planning and treatment of patients undergoing colorectal surgery.

Colonoscopy in asymptomatic individuals with a family history of colorectal cancer.

BACKGROUND: This study was performed to evaluate the use of total colonoscopy as the optimal screening test in asymptomatic individuals with a family history of colorectal cancer (CRC). METHODS: Colonoscopy was performed in 249 asymptomatic individuals who had one or two first-degree relatives (FDRs) with CRC; individuals with three or more FDRs with CRC were excluded. RESULTS: Eighty-six colonic lesions were found in 51 individuals (51 of 249; 20.5%). Among these 51 subjects, 27 had neoplastic polyps (n = 38) and 29 had metaplastic polyps (n = 44). Although no invasive cancer was detected, in 14 individuals the lesions had a high malignancy potential because of their size and histopathology. We did not confirm a statistically significant difference in the incidence of neoplastic polyps according to the number of affected FDRs. Finally, the presence of metaplastic polyps was a very strong indication for the concomitant presence of metaplastic polyps (P <.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Total colonoscopy is the optimal screening procedure for the examination of asymptomatic individuals with a family history of CRC.

Results of anterior levatorplasty for rectocele.

OBJECTIVE: Transanal and transvaginal repair of rectocele have been advocated in the treatment of rectocele, with mixed results. The aim of this study was to assess our experience using anterior levatorplasty in the surgical management of rectocele. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Sixty of 90 women who had undergone anterior levatorplasty for rectocele over a seven year period were traced, and 44 (33 with rectocele only and 11 with rectocele and faecal incontinence) responded to a standardized questionnaire 6 months to 7 years (mean 3.5 years) after anterior levatorplasty. Results were expressed in general and specific improvement of symptoms and were classified as excellent, good, fair, or poor. The effects on social activities, sexual function, and employment were also assessed. RESULTS: General satisfaction with the operation was rated as good or excellent in 27 of 33 (82%) and 18 of 24 (75%) patients with rectocele only at 2 and 3.2 years follow-up, respectively, and in 7 of 11 (64%) and 5 of 11 (45%) patients with rectocele and faecal incontinence at 2 and 4 years follow-up, respectively. 31 (70%) and 34 (77%) of all patients reported an improvement in sensation and the ability to defaecate, respectively. An improvement in social activities, sexual satisfaction and employment was noted in 10 of 21 (48%), 10 of 23 (43%), and 7 of 12 (58%) patients, respectively. CONCLUSION: Anterior levatorplasty provides good short and long-term symptomatic improvement in patients with rectocele and avoids complications associated with rectal or vaginal approaches.

Colonoscopy in symptomatic patients with positive family history of colorectal cancer.

BACKGROUND: Most patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) develop clinical signs and symptoms which are not specific for CRC, and usually at a late stage of the disease, resulting in a considerable delay of the diagnosis. In our study we examined patients with bowel symptoms which were at increased risk for developing CRC, because of their family history. METHODS: Over the last 6 years, colonoscopy was performed in 203 patients with colorectal symptoms, who had at least one Ist degree relative with CRC, at the Colorectal Surgery Unit of St George's Hospital. Five hundred ninety two individuals without CRC family history and with either rectal bleeding (n = 479), or with change of bowel habits (n = 113) were used as control group. RESULTS: In the group of patients with family history of CRC 81 colonic lesions were found in 53 patients (53/203, 26%). Patients with family history of CRC were grouped in three categories according to their main symptom. In the subgroup of patients with bleeding (n = 129) there were found 46 colonic lesions in 33 patients. In the subgroup of patients with change of bowel habits (n = 45) we were able to detect 39 colonic lesions. In the group of patients with abdominal pain (n = 29) 4 patients had a metaplastic polyp and one patient had a neoplastic polyp. With regard to the number of 1st degree relatives with CRC, we found that 16/172 (9%) patients with one such relative and 4/31 (13%) of the patients with two relatives were diagnosed with neoplastic polyps. CONCLUSIONS: Total colonoscopy (TC) is an excellent diagnostic procedure for the examination of symptomatic patients with positive family history of colorectal cancer. TC has a diagnostic role detecting the cause of symptoms or excluding the presence of malignancy. Simultaneous resection of the neoplastic and metaplastic polyps, provides an additional, secondary prevention of CRC.

Three-year evaluation of a rapid-access coloproctology clinic.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Evolving surgical practice has placed increasing pressures on surgical outpatient clinics. This article provides a prospective evaluation of a rapid-access coloproctology clinic over a 3-year period. METHODS: Primary care physicians (PCP) were circulated details of the clinic, and invited to refer any patient presenting with colorectal or anorectal symptoms, or with a family history of bowel cancer wishing advice about screening. Data were collected prospectively and patients and the referring PCPs were invited to complete a self-administered structured questionnaire. RESULTS: In all, 3,119 patients were referred, the main indications being rectal bleeding (67%), abdominal pain (16%) and change in bowel habit (15%). The average time interval between PCP visit and specialist consultation was 2 days and neoplastic disease was detected in 7.1% of patients. 70% of patients with haemorrhoids and 39% of those with other minor diseases were discharged back to their PCPs after definitive treatment at the time of their visit to the clinic. The majority of PCPs and patients expressed satisfaction with the service as evidenced by the returned questionnaires. CONCLUSION: These data show that a more universal implementation of such clinics may result in improved care of colorectal disease and considerable savings of outpatient time and resources.

A lack of evidence for down-modulation of CD3 zeta expression in colorectal carcinoma and pregnancy using multiple detection methods.

Loss of the T cell receptor-associated CD3 zeta chain has been proposed as a possible mechanism of the acquired immunosuppression in both tumour-bearing hosts, and in symptomatic patients with HIV infection. However, other reports suggest that the zeta-chain loss may in part be caused by protease activity of contaminating phagocytes ex vivo. Using flow cytometry and Western blot analysis on highly purified T cells, and ensuring adequate addition of protease inhibitors, we have studied the expression of CD3zeta on peripheral blood T cells from patients with colorectal carcinoma, and compared these with normal controls, and pregnant donors, as a further example of an immunocompromised state. Immunohistochemistry was performed on tumour sections from patients with colorectal carcinoma to measure CD3zeta expression in tumour infiltrating T cells, and compared with normal mucosa and tonsil. Using these three approaches, our data provide no evidence for downregulation of CD3zeta chain expression either in colorectal carcinoma or pregnancy and suggest that this explanation is unlikely to fully account for the reduced T cell function associated with these conditions in all patients.

Complications of adjuvant radiotherapy for rectal cancer.

The incidence of rectal cancer in the US is 45,000 per ann um. The 5-year survival is between 40 and 70%. This has not improved over the last 50 years despite improvements in techniques, the aid of new technology (surgical stapling devices in particular) and safer anesthesia.

Balsalazide is more effective and better tolerated than mesalamine in the treatment of acute ulcerative colitis. The Abacus Investigator Group.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Aminosalicylates are widely used in the treatment of ulcerative colitis (UC). Balsalazide is a novel mesalamine prodrug, activated by colonic bacteria. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety of balsalazide with that of a pH-dependent formulation of mesalamine in active UC. METHODS: A randomized, double-blind study was performed comparing balasalazide, 6.75 g daily, with mesalamine, 2.4 g daily, administered for 4, 8, or 12 weeks to 101 (99 evaluable) patients with symptomatic, sigmoidoscopically verified UC. RESULTS: More patients treated with balsalazide achieved symptomatic remission after 2 (64% [balsalazide] vs. 43% [mesalamine]), 4 (70% vs. 51%), 8 (78% vs. 45%), and 12 weeks (88% vs. 57%) and complete remission (none/mild symptoms, sigmoidoscopy grade 0/1, no rectal steroid use within 4 days) after 4 (38% vs. 12%), 8 (54% vs. 22%), and 12 weeks (62% vs. 37%). Patients taking balsalazide experienced more asymptomatic days (4 weeks, 24% vs. 14%) and achieved the first asymptomatic day more rapidly (median, 10 vs. 25 days). Fewer patients in the balsalazide group reported adverse events (48% vs. 71%); four serious adverse events occurred in the mesalamine group. CONCLUSIONS: Balsalazide is more effective and better tolerated than mesalamine as treatment for acute UC.

The rapid access proctology clinic: an appraisal of one year's experience.

A walk-in, once-a-week clinic was established in May 1993. In the first year, 1268 patients (954 new and 314 follow up) were seen with a reduction in waiting time, high patient and general practitioner satisfaction, and raised awareness of colorectal disease.