Endorectal ultrasound in the preoperative evaluation of rectal cancer.

For rectal cancer, the decisions about neoadjuvant therapy, radical resection, or local excision depend on accurate preoperative staging. Multiple modalities are available to stage rectal cancer, including digital rectal examination, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and endorectal ultrasound (ERUS). Digital rectal examination accuracy varies from 58% to 88% for depth of penetration. Computed tomography accuracy varies from 53% to 94% for depth of penetration and from 54% to 70% for lymph node metastases. Magnetic resonance imaging accuracy varies from 66% to 92% for depth of penetration and from 60% to 90% for lymph node metastases. Endorectal ultrasound varies from 62% to 92% for depth of penetration and from 64% to 88% for lymph node metastases. In all radiologic modalities, overstaging and understaging occurs. Endorectal ultrasound has the advantage of being portable and often office-based, requiring only minimal preparation and is well tolerated by the patient. Although MRI with the use of an endorectal coil may have a slightly higher accuracy for detecting lymph nodes, ERUS has been shown to be the most accurate method for the determination of the depth of wall penetration, and is comparable for lymph node metastases. Interpretation varies with operator experience. Three-dimensional (3D) ERUS may further improve staging accuracy. Endorectal ultrasound is an accurate method to preoperatively stage rectal cancers. Although operator-dependent, it can be readily performed at the time of patient evaluation with minimal preparation or patient discomfort. We are prospectively evaluating modifications to the current staging system and the use of 3D ERUS.

Surgeon-performed ultrasound: endorectal ultrasound.

Endorectal (ERUS) and endoanal (EAUS) ultrasound imaging is increasingly being performed by surgeons in the office and outpatient setting for the assessment of both benign and malignant disease. Multiple studies have demonstrated the accuracy of these modalities in identifying pertinent anatomy and anatomic abnormalities. The ultrasound is easily tolerated by most patients, and is easily performed with minimal preparation on the patient's part. The ability of the surgeon to perform and interpret this straight forward diagnostic procedure allows for the simplification of the diagnostic process and a more rapid determination of treatment options for the patient.

Perianal mucinous adenocarcinoma: unusual case presentations and review of the literature.

Perianal mucinous adenocarcinoma is a rare cancer constituting 3 to 11 per cent of all anal carcinomas. It may arise de novo or from a fistula or abscess cavity. We present two cases of this disease process. Case One is a 52-year-old man with a chronic history of perianal abscesses who presented to the emergency room with a large bowel obstruction. He required diversion and wide local excision with lateral internal sphincterotomy for relief of the obstruction. Pathology from the excised material revealed the unexpected diagnosis of invasive mucinous adenocarcinoma of the anus. Case Two is a 59-year-old man with a chronic history of complex fistulas and abscesses who presented to our office with a horseshoe fistula and deep postanal space abscess. Because of the nonhealing nature of the wound, biopsies from the abscess crater, fistulous tract, and the perianal skin opening were taken. The pathology department identified the specimens as invasive mucinous adenocarcinoma of the anal canal. This is an aggressive cancer often misdiagnosed clinically as benign pathology. A high index of suspicion and biopsy of fistulous tracts and abscesses are the keys to early diagnosis and treatment. With combination chemotherapy and radiation therapy in conjunction with aggressive surgical resection long-term survival might be obtained.

Colonic stents: the modern treatment of colonic obstruction.

Colonic stents traditionally have been used for the management of colorectal cancer, either as a palliative treatment or as a bridge to surgery. More recently, colonic stents have also been advocated as part of the therapy of benign strictures. A number of colonic stents are available worldwide, four of which are made in the USA. These stents are classified as covered or uncovered, with similar clinical applications. Technical and clinical success rates are similar among these different stents, as well as the rate of complications, which mainly consist of obstruction and migration. The deployment systems utilize fluoroscopy, endoscopy, or both. More recently, stents became available that are deployed "through the scope" (TTS) making the procedure faster. However, this advance does not exclude the use of fluoroscopy, particularly in those cases where the direct visualization of the proximal end of the stricture is absent. The increasing experience in the management of colorectal cancer with colonic stents decreases the morbidity and mortality, as well as cost, in comparison with surgical intervention for acute colonic obstruction. Management with colonic stents can also rule out proximal synchronous lesions after initial decompression prior to definitive surgery. Benign conditions may also be treated with stents. A multidisciplinary approach for the use of colonic stents during assessment and management of acute colonic obstruction is necessary in order to achieve a satisfactory outcome, whether that be better quality of life or improved survival.

Squamous-cell carcinoma developing after an ileoanal pouch procedure: report of a case.

PURPOSE: This study was designed to report a new variant of a rare but serious complication of restorative proctocolectomy. METHODS: We present a 47-year-old female who underwent restorative proctocolectomy after 16 years of disease. Twenty-five years after her pouch procedure, she underwent pouchoscopy for fever and poor pouch function. A suspicious mass was biopsied and pathology indicated squamous metaplasia. On referral, a mass could be palpated above the anorectal ring. Biopsy of the mass was read as invasive squamous carcinoma in the background of normal intestinal mucosa. This represents the twelfth reported case of carcinoma arising in a pouch, but the first report of a squamous carcinoma, as all previous reports had been of adenocarcinoma. RESULTS: The patient has undergone chemoradiation. Response to therapy, functional status, and biopsy after treatment will determine whether the patient will be able to salvage the pouch. CONCLUSIONS: Diligence and vigilance with regard to active follow-up, and a high index of suspicion, are required to prevent this from becoming a more frequently seen problem.

Nonoperative management of complicated diverticular disease.

The complications of diverticular disease of the colon can be divided into those related to inflammatory conditions (diverticular abscess, fistula, and perforation) and those related to noninflammatory conditions (lower gastrointestinal hemorrhage and noninflammatory stricture or obstruction). Nonoperative management of uncomplicated diverticulitis includes bowel rest and antibiotics. For abscesses, percutaneous drainage by radiologic guidance often turns complicated diverticulitis to an uncomplicated condition. In very select instances, fistulas or even perforation may be managed without operation. Strictures may be dilated or stented. Diverticular hemorrhage may be controlled with colonoscopic and angiographic techniques. For colonoscopy, these include cautery, epinephrine injection, and endoclips. For angiography, these include arterial infusion of vasopressin and selective embolization of bleeding vessels. For both diverticulitis and diverticular bleeding, these nonoperative therapeutic modalities may be utilized as a bridge to surgery, or in select instances as a definitive therapy obviating the need for surgery.

Vacuum-assisted closure of complex perineal wounds.

The Vacuum-assisted Closure device decreases the time to wound healing, thus increasing the deposition of granulation tissue, and decreasing the use of wound care specialists. Perineal wounds present a special challenge. We present four cases of complex perineal wounds in which the Vacuum-assisted Closure device was used. In each case, wound care was simplified and healing accelerated. The Vacuum-assisted Closure device allows earlier wound closure, early skin grafting (with improved graft adherence), earlier hospital discharge, and earlier return to baseline functional status. Its use in the perineum presents a challenge, but with proper application, even the most complex perineal wounds can be healed.