The mesentery in Crohn's disease: friend or foe?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This article assesses the role of the mesentery in Crohn's disease. RECENT FINDINGS: The mesentery is centrally positioned both anatomically and physiologically. Overlapping mesenteric and submucosal mesenchymal contributions are important in the pathobiology of Crohn's disease. Mesenteric contributions explain the topographic distribution of Crohn's disease in general and mucosal disease in particular. Operative strategies that are mesenteric based (i.e. mesocolic excision) may reduce rates of postoperative recurrence. SUMMARY: The net effect of mesenteric events in Crohn's disease is pathologic. This can be targeted by operative means. VIDEO ABSTRACT: http://links.lww.com/COG/A18.

Pulmonary valve papillary fibroelastoma: a rare tumor and rare location.

Although rare, papillary fibroelastomas (PFEs) are considered the third most common cause of primary cardiac neoplasm. They are usually asymptomatic and are found during routine echocardiography. PFEs of the pulmonary valve are extremely rare. They are usually benign; however, because of their potential to embolize to the pulmonary circulation, it is often recommended that they be removed. This article reviews a case of an asymptomatic PFE of the pulmonary valve, incidentally found in a patient who presented with three-vessel coronary artery disease.

The Role of HPV in Determining Treatment, Survival, and Prognosis of Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection has been identified as a significant etiological agent in the development of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). HPV's involvement has alluded to better survival and prognosis in patients and suggests that different treatment strategies may be appropriate for them. Only some data on the epidemiology of HPV infection in the oropharyngeal, oral cavity, and laryngeal SCC exists in Europe. Thus, this study was carried out to investigate HPV's impact on HNSCC patient outcomes in the Irish population, one of the largest studies of its kind using consistent HPV testing techniques. A total of 861 primary oropharyngeal, oral cavity, and laryngeal SCC (OPSCC, OSCC, LSCC) cases diagnosed between 1994 and 2013, identified through the National Cancer Registry of Ireland (NCRI), were obtained from hospitals across Ireland and tested for HPV DNA using Multiplex PCR Luminex technology based in and sanctioned by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). Both overall and cancer-specific survival were significantly improved amongst all HPV-positive patients together, though HPV status was only a significant predictor of survival in the oropharynx. Amongst HPV-positive patients in the oropharynx, surgery alone was associated with prolonged survival, alluding to the potential for de-escalation of treatment in HPV-related OPSCC in particular. Cumulatively, these findings highlight the need for continued investigation into treatment pathways for HPV-related OPSCC, the relevance of introducing boys into national HPV vaccination programs, and the relevance of the nona-valent Gardasil-9 vaccine to HNSCC prevention.

Inclusion of the Mesentery in Ileocolic Resection for Crohn's Disease is Associated With Reduced Surgical Recurrence.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Inclusion of the mesentery during resection for colorectal cancer is associated with improved outcomes but has yet to be evaluated in Crohn's disease. This study aimed to determine the rate of surgical recurrence after inclusion of mesentery during ileocolic resection for Crohn's disease. METHODS: Surgical recurrence rates were compared between two cohorts. Cohort A [n = 30] underwent conventional ileocolic resection where the mesentery was divided flush with the intestine. Cohort B [n = 34] underwent resection which included excision of the mesentery. The relationship between mesenteric disease severity and surgical recurrence was determined in a separate cohort [n = 94]. A mesenteric disease activity index was developed to quantify disease severity. This was correlated with the Crohn's disease activity index and the fibrocyte percentage in circulating white cells. RESULTS: Cumulative reoperation rates were 40% and 2.9% in cohorts A and B [P = 0.003], respectively. Surgical technique was an independent determinant of outcome [P = 0.007]. Length of resected intestine was shorter in cohort B, whilst lymph node yield was higher [12.25 ± 13 versus 2.4 ± 2.9, P = 0.002]. Advanced mesenteric disease predicted increased surgical recurrence [Hazard Ratio 4.7, 95% Confidence Interval: 1.71-13.01, P = 0.003]. The mesenteric disease activity index correlated with the mucosal disease activity index [r = 0.76, p < 0.0001] and the Crohn's disease activity index [r = 0.70, p < 0.0001]. The mesenteric disease activity index was significantly worse in smokers and correlated with increases in circulating fibrocytes. CONCLUSIONS: Inclusion of mesentery in ileocolic resection for Crohn's disease is associated with reduced recurrence requiring reoperation.

A colonic duplication cyst causing bowel ischaemia in a 74-year-old lady.

Colonic duplication cysts are rare congenital malformations that predominantly present before the age of 2 years. We report the case of a 74-year-old lady who presented with sudden onset abdominal pain. A computed tomography scan noted a calcified structure adjacent to abnormal loops of bowel. Intraoperative findings revealed an ischaemic loop of small bowel wrapped around a mass in the mesentery adjacent to the sigmoid colon. Final histology revealed a colonic duplication cyst. Colonic duplication cysts are rare entities that most commonly cause obstruction or perforation. We present the very rare case of a colonic duplication cyst causing bowel ischaemia in an elderly female.

Expression of p27 and VHL in renal tumors.

Renal tumors, in particular clear cell renal cell carcinomas, have an unclear prognosis and metastatic potential. Cell cycle regulators play a key role in cellular proliferation and have been implicated in neoplasia. The cell cycle inhibitor p27 has been associated with prognosis in various tumor types. Recently a reported association between p27 and Von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) gene function has also been noted. We have examined p27 and VHL expression by immunohistochemistry in a panel of kidney tumors and have noted specific and unique patterns of p27 expression in various tumor types. In addition, we have analyzed p27 expression in clear cell type renal cell carcinomas and have noted a significant association between decreasing p27 expression and increasing tumor size, suggesting a relation between renal cell proliferation and loss of p27 function. These findings suggest a role for p27 in the development of various types of renal tumors.

Metastatic breast cancer presenting as a gallstone ileus.

Metastatic breast cancer to the small bowel (SB) presenting as gallstone ileus and resulting in SB obstruction has not been described previously. A 76-year-old woman with previous metastatic breast cancer to the axial spine and hips presented with abdominal pain and bilious vomiting. CT scanning revealed SB obstruction consistent with gallstone ileus. The patient underwent two segmental SB resections for distal ileal strictures mimicking what appeared to be macroscopic Crohn's disease. The entero-biliary fistula was undisturbed. Pathological analysis revealed the dual pathologies of gallstone ileus and metastatic carcinoma from a breast primary causing luminal SB obstruction. Improvements in staging and treatment modalities have contributed to the increased overall long-term survival for breast cancer, compelling clinicians to consider metastatic breast cancer as a differential diagnosis in women presenting with new onset of gastrointestinal symptoms in order that appropriate treatment be administered in a timely fashion.

Clinical and technical aspects of bipolar transurethral prostate resection.

This review aims to provide an overview and critical assessment of the developments in transurethral electroresection in non-conductive and conductive irrigants. In the 1970s, measurements of the electric pathway in saline were performed for different locations of the neutral electrode. It was then concluded that the current pathway and the possible hazards of burn injuries to the patient should be investigated separately for each arrangement of the neutral electrode. The position and shape of the neutral electrode have decisive effects on the current flow in the patient. Thus, different electrode arrangements of the various bipolar resection systems need to be analysed separately. Furthermore, not only electrical power, but also conductivity and quality of the lubricant gel have to be considered as critical factors with regard to electrothermal injuries of the urethra. The supposedly better cutting quality seems to be based more on subjective observations than on scientific valid data. When performing "bipolar" TUR it is necessary to consider all electrotechnical and clinical aspects, particularly with regard to the potential risk of thermoelectrical urethral damage.

The Band Electrode: ongoing experience with a novel TURP loop to improve hemostasis in 265 patients.

INTRODUCTION: Intraoperative bleeding, one of the major complications of conventional transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP), has led to a search for various alternative methods of tissue ablation in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia. In 1996, we introduced the newly designed Band Electrode, which combines a high degree of resection efficiency with a better hemostasis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 265 consecutive patients with prostatism underwent TURP with the Band Electrode. This modified loop electrode does not consist of a thin wire but is rather a flat metal band with a width of 1.2 mm. International prostate symptom score (IPSS), Life Quality Index (L), peak urine flow and postvoid residual urine were evaluated pre- and postoperatively. Additionally, electrical parameters have been recorded with a specially designed high-frequency generator. RESULTS: Median IPSS decreased from 23 preoperatively to 8 and 9 at 12 (n = 194) and 24 months (n = 172), respectively (p < 0.001). Life Quality Index (L) dropped from 4 to 2 and 2, respectively (p < 0.001). Peak urine flow increased from 8.2 ml/s to 18.2 (at postoperative day 3), 17.8 and 17.4 ml/s, respectively (p < 0.001). Median postvoid residual urine decreased from 77 to 15, 22 and 21 ml, respectively (p < 0.001). Resected tissue mass averaged 25 (8-102) g, resection time was 36.5 (18-82) min. Indwelling catheters were removed 32 (24-72) h postoperatively. None of the patients required blood transfusions or showed signs of a TUR syndrome. Despite a 1.3 times higher power need, the total energy application in vivo was comparable to conventional TURP. CONCLUSIONS: This simple exchange of active electrodes leads to a superior hemostasis and thus safety in TURP. Resection speed, tissue ablation and total energy need remain identical.

Liver transplantation for primary biliary cirrhosis: a long-term pathologic study.

Although recurrent primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) after liver transplantation (LT) has been reported, the full spectrum of changes and progression to fibrosis and cirrhosis is not yet established. We performed a detailed retrospective clinicopathologic analysis of 43 patients who underwent LT for PBC. Eight patients (18.6%) had definite recurrent PBC with florid duct lesions, 5 patients (11.6%) had recurrence with features of autoimmune liver disease, not otherwise specified (AILD-NOS), 7 patients (16.3%) had plasmacytosis only, 4 patients (9.3%) had chronic rejection, 18 patients (41.9%) have no recurrence at present, and 1 patient (2.3%) had acquired hepatitis C. Although definite diagnoses of PBC and AILD-NOS recurrences (n = 13) were made 1 month to 14 years (median, 4 years) post-LT, all patients had plasmacytosis in their earlier biopsy specimens. Also, these patients showed similar pre-LT and post-LT clinical features, with progressive fibrosis in 4 of 8 and 2 of 5 patients, respectively. Four of 13 patients with definite recurrence and 14 of 18 patients with no recurrence were administered azathioprine (AZA) as part of their post-LT therapy (P =.01). Six of 13 and 16 of 18 patients currently are alive, with median follow-ups of 11 and 5 years, respectively. No significant differences were seen with donor-recipient group A, group B, group O blood type, sex, or HLA mismatches; native liver histological characteristics; or tacrolimus-based therapy. In conclusion, recurrent autoimmune liver disease was seen in 30% of patients after LT for PBC and had features of PBC and/or AILD-NOS. Progression seen in 46% of patients was associated with late graft failure. Patients with no recurrent disease had shorter follow-up periods and more frequent immunosuppression, including AZA; some may still develop recurrence with longer follow-up.