Targeted Electromyographic Biofeedback With Endoanal Electrostimulation for Anal Incontinence.

Purpose. Anal incontinence (AI) is a disabling condition with a variable response to conservative physical therapies. We assess the utility of combining electromyographic biofeedback with endoanal electrostimulation targeted to the weakest areas of the pelvic floor using the MAPLe® probe (Multiple Array Probe Leiden Novuqare). Methods. Patients with AI unresponsive to conservative measures were assessed before and after treatment with anorectal manometry (ARM), electromyography (EMG), Wexner Continence Scoring, Visual Analog Scoring (VAS), FIQL and SF-12 quality of life determination. Results. Of 29 patients in the final analysis, there was an improvement in the mean Wexner continence score from 13.59 to 8.03 and a concomitant improvement in the reported VAS from 3.45 to 6.72. Both Wexner continence and VAS scores were maintained during follow-up. Maximum voluntary manometric contraction significantly improved from 91.76 mmHg to 110.33 mmHg with no changes in resting pressure. The EMG values ​​(µV) that significantly improved included the average and peak resistance, the average general voluntary contraction, and the average and peak voluntary contraction for both the external anal sphincter and the puborectalis. In the FIQL, behavior, depression and shame domains improved after treatment and during follow-up with lifestyle improvements detected at 6 and 12 months. Physical and mental components of the SF-12 improved at 6 and 12 months. Conclusions. Targeted electromyographic biofeedback and endoanal electrostimulation using MAPLe® probe in AI patients sustainably improves objective ARM and EMG parameters along with subjective reporting of continence severity, VAS, and quality of life.

Can physiological stimulation prior to ileostomy closure reduce postoperative ileus? A prospective multicenter pilot study.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to assess the impact of ileostomy closure following preoperative physiological stimulation (PPS) on postoperative ileus (POI) in patients with loop ileostomy after low anterior resection for rectal cancer. METHODS: Patients who underwent ileostomy closure between January 2017 and February 2020 in two tertiary referral centers were prospectively included. PPS stimulation was compared to standard treatment. Stimulation was carried out daily during the 15 days prior to ileostomy closure by the patient's self-instillation of 200 ml of fecal contents from the ileostomy bag via the efferent loop, using a rectal catheter. Standard treatment (ST) consisted of observation. Outcomes measures were POI, morbidity, stimulation feasibility, and predictors to ileus. RESULTS: A total of 58 patients were included [42 males and 16 females, median age 67 (43-85) years]. PPS was used in 24 patients, who completed the entire stimulation process, and ST in 34 patients. No differences in preoperative factors were found between the two groups. POI was significantly lower in the PPS group (4.2%) vs the ST group (32.4%); p < 0.01, OR: 0.05 (CI 95% 0.01-0.65). The PPS group had a shorter time to restoration of bowel function (1 day vs 3 days) p = 0.02 and a shorter time to tolerance of liquids (1 day vs 2 days), p = 0.04. Age (p = 0.01), open approach at index surgery, p = 0.03, adjuvant capecitabine (p = 0.01). and previous abdominal surgeries (p = 0.02) were associated with POI in the multivariate analysis. C-reactive-protein values on the 3rd (p = 0.02) and 5th (p < 0.01) postoperative day were also associated with POI. CONCLUSIONS: PPS for patients who underwent ileostomy closure after low anterior resection for rectal cancer is feasible and might reduce POI.

Correction to: Recommendations for follow­up of colorectal cancer survivors.

In the published article, the following information was missing.

Recommendations for follow-up of colorectal cancer survivors.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the tumours with the highest incidence and mortality in the Spanish population. Nevertheless, the advances in prevention and treatment have contributed to an increased number of patients who survive for prolonged periods of time. In addition, despite recurrences, improved survival following metastasis resection is likewise on the rise. This underscores the importance of carrying out follow-up programmes even in low-risk patients for the early detection of recurrence. The main objective of this article is to provide a set of recommendations for optimising the follow-up of CRC survivors as well as for managing the sequelae that result from either pharmacological or surgical treatment.

[Incidence of surgical site infection in colon surgery and antibiotic prophylaxis adequacy: prospective cohort study]. / Incidencia de infección de localización quirúrgica en cirugía de colon y adecuación de la profilaxis antibiótica: estudio de cohortes prospectivo.

BACKGROUND: Surgical site infection (SSI) has a considerable clinical and economic impact at the hospital level, so prevention and monitoring are considered a high priority. The objective of this study was to assess compliance with the protocol of antibiotic prophylaxis in colon surgery and the effect of its inadequacy for the incidence of SSI. METHODS: Prospective cohort study from July 2008 to July 2016. Compliance with antibiotic prophylaxis protocol and the causes of non-compliance were evaluated in colon surgery: duration and starting, choice, route of administration and dose of the antibiotic. The incidence of SSI was studied after a maximum incubation period of 30 days. Relative risk (RR) was used to evaluate the non-compliance causes of prophylaxis. RESULTS: The study included 771 patients. The cumulative incidence of SSI was 5.8% (n=45), of which 2/3 were superficial incisional infections. The most common cause of SSI was Escherichia coli (28%). Antibiotic prophylaxis was administered in 97.8% of patients, with an overall protocol compliance of 91.9%. The principle cause of non-compliance was the choice of antibiotic (58.2%). No relationship between the inadequacy of prophylaxis and incidence of surgical site infection was found (RR=0.5; CI95% 0.1-1.8). CONCLUSIONS: The overall adequacy rate to antibiotic prophylaxis protocol was high. No significant association between the adequacy of prophylaxis and incidence of surgical site infection in colon surgery was found.

[Assessment of antibiotic prophylaxis adequacy in rectal surgery]. / Evaluación de la adecuación de la profilaxis antibiótica en la cirugía de recto.

OBJECTIVE: Antibiotic prophylaxis is the most suitable tool for preventing surgical site infection (SSI), so the development of guidelines and assessment of its monitoring is essential. In this study protocol compliance of antibiotic prophylaxis in rectal surgery and the effect of its adequacy in terms of pre-ention of SSI was assessed. METHODS: Prospective cohort study was conducted from 1 January 2009 to 30 December 2015. The degree of compliance with antibiotic prophylaxis and causes of non-compliance in rectal surgery was evaluated. The incidence of SSI was studied after a maximum period of 30 days of incubation. To assess the effect of prophylaxis non-compliance on SSI the relative risk (RR) adjusted with the aid of a logistic regression model was used. RESULTS: The study covered a total of 244 patients. The patients infected reached 20 cases with a SSI cumulative incidence of 8.2% (CI95%: 4.8-11.6). Antibiotic prophylaxis was indicated in all patients and was administered in 98% of cases, with an overall protocol compliance 92.5%. The principal cause of non-compliance was the choice of antibiotic 55.6% (n=10). The effect of inadequacy of antibiotic prophylaxis on surgical infection was RR=0.58, CI95%: 0.10-4.10 (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Compliance with antibiotic prophylaxis was high. No relationship between the adequacy of prophylaxis and incidence of surgical site infection in rectal surgery was found.

Efficacy and quality of life after transcutaneous posterior tibial neuromodulation for faecal incontinence.

AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of transcutaneous neuromodulation of the posterior tibial nerve for faecal incontinence and to assess quality of life after the procedure. METHOD: A prospective non-randomized cohort study was conducted in a tertiary centre from September 2010 to May 2013. All patients with faecal incontinence who met the inclusion criteria were included and were treated as outpatients during a 3-month period by unilateral neuromodulation of the posterior tibial nerve. The patients were followed 3-monthly for 1 year. Severity scales, a bowel diary and quality of life scales were evaluated prospectively before and after treatment. RESULTS: Twenty-seven patients of median age 67 (interquartile range 60-69) years and a male to female ratio of 1/6 were included. Faecal incontinence was for solid stools in 48.1% of patients with urgency in 55.6%. About one-third (34.6%) had a sphincter defect on ultrasound and reduction of anal canal pressure in 85.2%. There was a significant improvement in episodes of incontinence on the Wexner score and visual analogue scale assessment and a decrease in the number of episodes of incontinence per unit time. The Fecal Incontinence Quality of Life score was improved at the end of the follow-up. No adverse effects were observed. The cost of the treatment was €135 per patient. CONCLUSION: Transcutaneous posterior tibial nerve neuromodulation provides good treatment for faecal incontinence in terms of efficacy and quality of life.

Multidisciplinary Approach in Hepatocellular Carcinoma in a Level II Hospital: The First Decade of Hospital Universitario Fundacion Alcorcon.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Mean survival in hepatocellular carcinoma remains low. Many efforts have been done during the last years through screening, diagnosis and treatment to improve the results. The aim of this work is to present the experience of our hospital multidisciplinary group during the first decade of this century. METHODOLOGY: The patients with hepatocellullar carcinoma presented at the multidisciplinary meeting from 1999 to 2009 were prospectively studied. According to the tumor and functional status they were treated through the current available guidelines by transplant, partial hepatectomy, local/regional procedures, systemic or symptomatic treatment. RESULTS: One hundred and forty two patients were studied. Median tumor size was 3 cm. A single tumor was diagnosed in 64.8% of the patients. Eighteen patients had liver resection (6 transplantation and 12 with partial resection), 53 tumors were not treated due to advanced stage or liver dysfunction, and in the remaining patients radiofrequency, ethanol or embolization treatments were used, single or combined. CONCLUSIONS: a multidisciplinary approach of hepatocellular carcinoma in a second level hospital with trained professionals permits a diagnosis in early tumoral and functional stages in the majority of patients, and a variety of possible treatments with adequate survival outcomes.

Laparoscopic colectomy for transverse colon carcinoma: a surgical challenge but oncologically feasible.

AIM: The aim of the study was to assess the safety and feasibility of laparoscopic surgery for transverse colon cancer and to compare the clinicopathological outcome with that of conventional open surgery. METHOD: From March 1998 to December 2009, 1253 patients with colorectal tumours were operated on, 564 laparoscopically. There were 154 cases of transverse colon cancer, 86 of which were included in the study. Details were collected on age, sex, body mass index (BMI), operation time, blood loss, time to first flatus, time to resume a liquid diet, postoperative length of hospital stay, complications, TNM stage, tumour size, distal resection margin, proximal resection margin, number of nodes harvested and surgical procedure. Laparoscopic and open surgical removal was compared. RESULTS: No significant differences were found between laparoscopic and conventional groups in age, sex, BMI, operation time or postoperative length of hospital stay. The mean blood loss during the operations was significantly less in the laparoscopic group (105.9 ± 140.9 ml vs 305.7 ± 325.3 ml; P = 0.05). The time to the first flatus was shorter (2.1 ± 0.3 days vs 3.8 ± 3.0 days; P = 0.043) and diet was started earlier (3.1 ± 1.4 days vs 3.4 ± 1.5 days) in the laparoscopic group. No significant differences in tumour size, proximal resection margin or number of lymph nodes were observed. The mean distal resection margin was not statistically different (10.3 ± 4.5 cm vs 8.8 ± 4.9 cm). At a mean follow up of 33 ± 2.3 months, nonport-site metastases occurred in eight patients and locoregional recurrence occurred in three, with no significant difference between the groups. The 3-year cumulative overall survival rate was 78%, and the disease-free survival rate was 69%. CONCLUSION: There was no difference in the outcome of laparoscopic and open surgery for transverse colon cancer, including the cancer-specific outcome.

[Outpatient surgeries of patients with arteriovenous fistulas for hemodialysis. Integrated activity in a general surgery unit]. / Cirugía sin ingreso de pacientes con fístulas arteriovenosas para hemodiálisis. Actividad integrada en un servicio de cirugía general.

INTRODUCTION: The increase of prevalent haemodialysis patients is a challenge for surgery units. Vascular access related complications are the main cause of hospital admissions in many dialysis units. Outpatient surgery could decrease waiting lists, cost related and complications associated to vascular access. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We have performed a prospective study of the vascular access related surgery in a ten years period. Outpatient surgery was included with the rest of the activity in a general surgery unit and was performed by not exclusive dedicated surgeons. RESULTS: Since 1998 to December 2009 we performed 2,413 surgical interventions for creating and repairing arteriovenous fistula in 1,229 patients, including elective and emergency surgery (74.8% and 25.2% respectively). Outpatient procedures were performed in 82% of cases (89% in elective and 60% in emergency surgery). There were unexpected admissions secondary to surgical complications in 6% of patients. There wasn't postoperative mortality. The rate of admissions were 0,09 episodes and 0,2 days per patient/year. CONCLUSIONS: Outpatient surgery is possible in a high percentage of patients to perform or to repair an arteriovenous fistula, including emergency surgery. Vascular access surgery can be included in ordinary activity of a surgical unit. Outpatient vascular access surgery decreases unnecessary hospital admissions, reduces costs and nosocomial complications.

Can the clinical outcome in stage II colon carcinomas be predicted by determination of molecular marker expression?

BACKGROUND: Conventional staging procedures are often unable to precisely predict prognosis in colon cancer (CC). In this study, we set out to investigate the possible role of molecular/structural indicators involved in cell cycle regulation (Ki-67, p53), apoptosis (p53 and bcl-2) and tumour neoangiogenesis (anti-VIII factor) in predicting tumour behaviour and clinical outcome in stage II CC patients. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: Analysis of the above indicators was performed by immunohistochemistry on 162 CC patient samples with curative intention surgery. Clinicopathological data included tumour grade, vascular and nervous invasion, production of mucin, lymphatic permeation and carcinoembryonic antigen levels. RESULTS: p53 protein was overexpressed in 58%, bcl-2 overexpression in 21.5%, Ki-67 in 60.1% and anti-VIII factor stained positive in 40.16% of the cases. Multiple regression analysis showed that some molecular markers were correlated. A significant relationship was seen between p53 and Ki-67, and bcl-2 and p53, but there was no correlation between bcl2 and Ki- 67 overexpression. Stepwise regression selected Ki-67 and anti-VIII factor as the best combination of variables capable of predicting both disease-specific and diseasefree survival. CONCLUSIONS: Only Ki-67 and anti-VIII factor were shown to be useful for the prediction of outcome and recurrence rate in curatively treated CC patients. In conjunction with clinical and pathological staging, they may provide a stronger indication of clinical outcome than staging alone and help better select therapeutic options in CC patients.

[Clinical and functional results after Laparoscopic fundoplication. Prospective evaluation]. / Resultados clínicos y funcionales después de funduplicatura laparoscópica. Evaluación prospectiva.

OBJECTIVE: To prospectively assess the medium- and long-term clinical and functional results in consecutive patients undergoing laparoscopic procedures for gastroesophageal reflux. PATIENTS AND METHOD: The series included the interventions performed or assisted by the first author in 325 patients referred for surgical evaluation between December 1992 and June 2000. Forty patients were excluded from the study because they did not fulfil the inclusion criteria for laparoscopic surgery. A further 20 patients who underwent laparoscopic surgery were excluded because they required conversion to open surgery. Thus, 265 patients were included in the study. One hundred ninety-six total fundoplications (Nissen-Rossetti) and 69 partial fundoplications(42 posterior-Toupet and 27 anterior-Dor) were performed. The surgical technique employed was a slight modification of that described by Dallemagne et al with five-trocars. Preoperative evaluation was established by clinical features, endoscopy with biopsy, barium contrast radiography, esophageal manometry and esophageal pH monitoring. RESULTS: The mean follow-up was 47.1 3.3 months (range: 4-92 months). Heartburn, regurgitation, and dysphagia were relieved in 92.5%, 97.7%, and 88.1% of patients respectively. Complete relief of symptoms was achieved in all patients who presented preoperative respiratory symptoms as a complication of gastroesophageal reflux. Esophagitis healed in 98.2% of patients with preoperative esophagitis. Correction of lower esophageal sphincter pressure and lower esophageal sphincter length were statistically significant compared with preoperative status (p = 0.006 and p = 0.003, respectively). Pre- and postoperative differences in the percentage of patients with a pH < 4 in 24-hour ambulatory esophageal pH monitoring were also significant (p = 0.005), confirming correction of acid reflux. Morbidity appeared in 6.7% of patients and there was no mortality. Conversion to open procedures was required in 7.5%. The mean operative time was 115 6.3 minutes. CONCLUSIONS: These preliminary results suggest that when performed by experienced surgeons laparoscopic fundoplication provides an excellent alternative in selected patients with gastroesophageal reflux. Both medium- and long-term clinical and functional results, as well as morbidity, were satisfactory and were similar to those of open fundoplication.

[Pelvic lipomatosis: a case report with diagnostic and therapeutic approach]. / Lipomatosis pélvica: un caso con enfoque diagnóstico y terapéutico.

Pelvic lipomatosis is a rare disease of unknown etiology characterized by benign proliferation of fat in the pelvis. We describe a 27-year-old man with pelvic and retroperitoneal lipomatosis causing a severe urinary and fecal obstruction. The diagnosis was evaluated by barium enema, intravenous urogram, computerized tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. The therapeutic approach is described and discussed.

Hemosuccus pancreaticus in a heterotopic jejunal pancreas.

Heterotopic pancreas is a congenital anomaly defined as pancreatic tissue occurring outside its normal anatomical location, lacking both anatomic and vascular connections. Ninety percent of heterotopic pancreas is found in the upper part of the gastrointestinal tract. Symptoms, when present, are normally non-specific and include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and bleeding. However, aberrant pancreas is not often recognized as patients are usually symptom-free. We report on a 29 year-old man with acute and severe gastrointestinal hemorrhage through the duct of an aberrant pancreas located in the upper jejunum, without clinical or histological evidence of pancreatic inflammation. We believe that our case is the first description of a pancreatic ductal hemorrhage in an aberrant pancreas.

Dermoid cyst of the pancreas: a rare cystic neoplasm.

Dermoid cysts of the pancreas, also called cystic teratomas, are a rare entity and are included in the group of neoplasms with a germ cell origin. Only twelve cases have been described in the world literature. The symptomatology is due to tumor compression of the neighboring tissues. Ultrasonography and computed tomography may be helpful, but there are no pathognomonic data for their preoperative recognition. The differential diagnosis should include all other cystic tumors of the pancreas. Complete surgical removal is mandatory. We describe the diagnostic and surgical procedures in a 74 year-old man with a pre-operatively unsuspected dermoid cyst. We review the previously published cases and emphasize the appropriate therapeutical management.

[Management of choledocholithiasis in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy]. / Manejo de la coledocolitiasis en pacientes sometidos a colecistectomía laparoscópica.

The development of laparoscopic cholecystectomy has rekindled the issue of management of choledocholithiasis. A number of options exist including pre or postoperative endoscopic sphincterotomy (ERCP-ES), laparoscopic common duct exploration or open common duct exploration. We present here our experience with the management of choledocholithiasis in patients treated with laparoscopic cholecystectomy. From January 1991 to January 1995, 900 patients underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy. 71 ERCP were carried out in 71 patients with suspicion or evidence of choledocholithiasis. Common duct stones were detected in 44 patients. Preoperative ERCP was done in 56 patients, with suspicion of choledocholithiasis, based on clinical, laboratory or ultrasonographic findings. 29 of these patients (51.7%) had common duct stones, that were successfully removed by endoscopic sphincterotomy. One patient suffered mild pancreatitis and a second one had transient hyperamylasemia. Postoperative ERCP was performed in 15 patients. Indications for ERCP were the evidence of common duct stones in intraoperative cholangiography in 7 cases, and clinical or laboratory suspicion of choledocholithiasis, 3 months to 3 years after laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Stones were detected in 100% of the patients. In 11 patients (73.3%), the stones were extracted by endoscopic sphincterotomy and 4 patients underwent open common duct exploration. Two patients had transient hyperamylasemia. ERCP is a safe and effective method for detection and treatment of common duct stones. ERCP prior to laparoscopic cholecystectomy in patients suspected of having choledocholithiasis, is safe and offers with good results. Rutinary intraoperative cholangiography is recommended, for the detection of unsuspected choledocholithiasis and as an effective treatment (postoperative-ERCP, open or laparoscopic common duct exploration) can be chosen depending on surgeon's skills and patient's characteristics.

Laparoscopic repair of hernia of foramen of Morgagni: a new case report.

A new case report of laparoscopic repair of a diaphragmatic hernia through the foramen of Morgagni in a 53-year-old woman is described. The patient had a successful recovery with no recurrence 2 years after surgery. The authors propose that the laparoscopic approach is an alternative to classical treatment for this kind of hernia.