Is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome a Predisposing Factor for Pilonidal Sinus Disease?

BACKGROUND: The incidence of pilonidal sinus may be increased in women with polycystic ovary syndrome. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to compare the prevalence and risk factors of pilonidal sinus disease in women with and without polycystic ovary syndrome in the same population. DESIGN: This was a case-control study. SETTINGS: This study was conducted in a Turkish rural district state hospital. PATIENTS: This study included 40 female patients with polycystic ovary syndrome and 120 female patients without polycystic ovary syndrome. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The prevalence of pilonidal sinus, age, BMI, number of baths per week, daily sitting time, and family history of pilonidal sinus were recorded. RESULTS: Pilonidal sinus was detected in 22.5% (12.5% asymptomatic pits, 10% symptomatic) of patients with polycystic ovary syndrome and 1.7% of the control group ( p < 0.001). No difference was noted between the 2 groups in terms of BMI ( p = 0.219). Family history was similar between the case and control groups ( p = 0.520). No significant difference was noted between the 2 groups in terms of insufficient hygiene and daily sitting time ( p = 0.763, p = 0.706). Multivariate analysis showed that the risk of pilonidal sinus was significantly higher in patients with a positive family history ( p = 0.008). LIMITATIONS: The number of patients in the case and control groups in the study was limited. In addition, the control group may not fully reflect the general population because it was composed of only patients who presented to the general surgery and gynecology outpatient clinic for other reasons. The control group was not age matched. CONCLUSIONS: In our study, we found that the prevalence of pilonidal sinus was significantly higher in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/B945 . ES EL SNDROME DE OVARIO POLIQUSTICO UN FACTOR PREDISPONENTE PARA LA ENFERMEDAD DEL SENO PILONIDAL: ANTECEDENTES:La incidencia de enfermedad del seno pilonidal puede aumentar en mujeres con síndrome de ovario poliquístico.OBJETIVO:El objetivo fue comparar la prevalencia y los factores de riesgo de la enfermedad del seno pilonidal en una misma poblacion de mujeres con y sin síndrome de ovario poliquístico.DISEÑO:Este fue un estudio de casos y controles.ENTORNO CLÍNICO:Se llevó a cabo en un hospital estatal de un distrito rural turco.PACIENTES:Este estudio incluyó a 40 pacientes mujeres con síndrome de ovario poliquístico y 120 pacientes mujeres sin síndrome de ovario poliquístico.PRINCIPALES MEDIDAS DE VALORACIÓN:Se registraron la prevalencia del seno pilonidal, la edad, el IMC, el número de duchas por semana, el tiempo diario para sentarse y los antecedentes familiares de seno pilonidal.RESULTADOS:El seno pilonidal se detectó en el 22,5 % (12,5 % fosas asintomáticas, 10 % sintomáticas) de las pacientes con síndrome de ovario poliquístico y en el 1,7 % del grupo control ( p < 0,001). No se observaron diferencias entre los dos grupos en términos de IMC ( p = 0,219). Los antecedentes familiares fueron similares entre los grupos de casos y controles ( p = 0,520). No se observaron diferencias significativas entre los dos grupos en términos de higiene insuficiente y tiempo de sedentarismo diario ( p = 0,763, p = 0,706). El análisis multivariante mostró que el riesgo de seno pilonidal fue significativamente mayor en pacientes con antecedentes familiares positivos ( p = 0,008).LIMITACIONES:El número de pacientes en los grupos de casos y controles en el estudio fue limitado. Además, es posible que el grupo de control no refleje completamente a la población general, ya que está compuesto solo por pacientes que acudieron a la consulta externa de cirugía general y ginecología por otras razones. El grupo de control no fue emparejado por edad.CONCLUSIONES:En nuestro estudio encontramos que la prevalencia de seno pilonidal fue significativamente mayor en pacientes con síndrome de ovario poliquístico. Consulte Video Resumen en http://links.lww.com/DCR/B945 . (Traducción-Dr. Ingrid Melo ).

An evaluation of the mourning tradition, the "First Feast," in the context of palliative care: The possibility of incorporating cultural rituals into palliative care.

OBJECTIVE: Grief is intertwined with cultural and religious rituals that are highly appreciated in the quality standards of palliative care. Here, we aimed to investigate whether a cultural mourning ritual, the "First Feast," can be used by palliative care teams to ease the grief response of the deceased patient's relatives. METHOD: A questionnaire with 23 questions about the prevalence of the First Feast tradition, the content, the pros and cons, and whether it would be useful for the grieving relatives of deceased patients was prepared and given to the palliative care patients' relatives. The data were evaluated using the chi-square test. RESULT: A total of 427 participants were enrolled in the study; 60.7% were female and the mean age was 36 (±13.4). A total of 76.8% of the participants were from the Tokat region and 77.8% (n = 332) performed the First Feast tradition. A significant difference was observed among participants with Tokat origins and non-Tokat origins in terms of awareness of the tradition (84.8% and 69.7%, respectively; p = 0.001). Ninety-one percent of the participants acknowledged that the tradition helped to ease the grief response of the relatives. SIGNIFICANCE OF RESULTS: The First Feast, a mourning tradition performed in Tokat and other parts of Turkey, might be a useful auxiliary method for palliative care teams to help grieving families.

The pain colour of children with toothache in Turkish population.

BACKGROUND: Toothache is a common consequence of untreated caries, predisposed by poor oral hygiene and high caries risk. Most children expressed their pain through their parents or carers. The aim of this study was to determine the colour of pain presence and absence. METHODS: Patients aged between 4 and 14 and referred to a dentist for the first time due to toothache had a short-term pain of 1 month caused by deep cavities. The children chose paintings from the box of 24 standard colours (Crayola, Spain) and the circles were painted. Pain was rated by children on the Visual Analoge Scale. Normality and variance were tested using the one-sample Kolmogorov-Smirnov test. Associations were performed by using the Pearson correlation coefficient. Analyses were completed by using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL) version 20.0 program. RESULTS: A total of 147 patients including 78 girls (53.1%) and 69 boys (46.9%) were included in the study. The principal component analysis showed that red has the highest factor loading in children with pain, whereas yellow was the other highest one in children without pain. CONCLUSION: The presence of pain was mainly associated with red, and the absence of pain was associated with yellow in Turkish population. Description of pain with colour can be useful tool to recognize the children and to improve dentist-patient or dentist-parents communication.

Karnofsky Performance Scale validity and reliability of Turkish palliative cancer patients

Background/aim: Validated measures in palliative cancer patients are very important in the evaluation and management of the disease. The Karnofsky Performance Scale (KPS) has been used for many years to assess the performance status of cancer patients. The aim of this study is to determine the validity and reliability of the KPS in cancer patients receiving palliative care in Turkey. Materials and methods: Eighty patients with a cancer diagnosis who were admitted to Gaziosmanpasa University Medical Faculty Hospital Palliative Care Unit between 01.03.2016 and 01.03.2017 were included in the study. KPS, measurements from the Katz Activi-ties of Daily Living (ADL) scale, and Basic Activities of Daily Living (BADL) scale were recorded. The alpha coefficient (Cronbach) was calculated by using SPSS version 20.0. The P-value was accepted as P < 0.05 in the analysis of the data. Results: There was a positive and strong correlation between Katz ADL scale total score and KPS score (r = 0.895; P < 0.001). In ad-dition, there was a strong negative correlation between the total score of BADL scale and KPS score (r = ­0.894; P < 0.001). As for the reliability of the scale scores, Cronbach's alpha coefficient found to be 0.720. Conclusion: KPS is a reliable scale for Turkish cancer patients in palliative care settings.

The development of pneumobilia after blunt trauma.

Pneumobilia is the detection of gas within the biliary system. It usually develops after bilioenteric anastomosis, percutaneous or endoscopic biliary interventions, infections and abscesses. The treatment is surgical, especially in cases with no prior interventions to the biliary system. The development of pneumobilia is quite rare after blunt trauma. Therefore, both the diagnosis and management are challenging for surgeons. Herein, we present the diagnosis and conservative management of a patient with pneumobilia after blunt trauma.

Does Sacrococcygeal Angle Play a Role on Pilonidal Sinus Etiology?

The predisposing factors for the development of sacrococcygeal pilonidal disease (SPD) still remain undetermined. Here, we investigate the sacrococcygeal angle as a possible predisposing factor for the development of disease. Consecutive male patients admitted to our clinic with the diagnosis of SPD were included. Sex, age and BMI matched healthy controls without SPD were enrolled to the study. The predefined sacrococcygeal angles of patients and controls were measured on lateral pelvic radiographs by a single experienced radiologist. Thirty patients were included in each group. Sacrococcygeal angles of patients and control group were measured as 37.3±14.5 and 36.81±10.23 in patients and controls, respectively. The difference with respect to sacrococcygeal angle was not statistically significant between two groups. Sacrococcygeal angle which is the main skeletal determinant of intergluteal sulcus is not a predisposing factor for the development of sacrococcygeal pilonidal disease.

Acute abdomen due to Meckel's enterolith: Case report and review of the literature.

Meckel's diverticulum is a rare condition with an incidence of 1-3% in general population. It is usually asymptomatic and is incidentally detected during laparotomy/laparoscopy. Enterolith formation within Meckel's diverticulum is even rarer. Herein, we present the diagnosis and management of a 50-year old patient with Meckel's diverticulum enterolith and discuss this rare condition based on the literature.

The role of pain catastrophizing score in the prediction of venipuncture pain severity.

BACKGROUND: In addition to the influence of tissue damage, the intensity of pain is also related to individual cognitive factors. The Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS) is used to measure individual tendency toward pain by inquiring about a subject's cognitive characteristics. Building on the knowledge that the venipuncture process causes severe pain and anxiety in some patients, the objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between the PCS score and venipuncture pain. METHODS: Patients were asked to complete the PCS questionnaire. Patients' demographic features, presence of chronic pain and American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) scores were recorded. Clinical and demographic characteristics of the patients were used for correlation with the PCS scores. Using an 11-point numeric rating scale (NRS), the patients then scored the amount of pain on cannulation. RESULTS: This prospective study was conducted with 196 patients; 31 patients were excluded for various reasons. One hundred sixty-five patients, 74 women and 91 men, were included in the evaluation. The study found that the venipuncture pain score had a significant positive correlation with the PCS score (r = 0.197, P < 0.05). With respect to age, no statistically significant differences in the PCS scores were found (P > 0.05). Female patients had a significantly higher PCS score than the males (P < 0.05). The PCS score of patients with chronic pain was found to be significantly higher in comparison with those without pain complaints (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: There was a positive correlation between venipuncture pain and PCS score. Consequently, the venipuncture pain score could be useful in informing practitioners about a patient's pain considerations.

Is Pain Perception Communicated through Mothers? Maternal Pain Catastrophizing Scores Are Associated with Children's Postoperative Circumcision Pain.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the relation of maternal pain catastrophizing score with children who underwent circumcision postoperative pain. This prospective cohort study was performed between March 2022 and March 2023 at Samsun University, Turkey. Demographic characteristics of mothers and children, mothers' education level, presence of chronic pain, and Beck Depression Inventory scores were recorded preoperatively. Pain catastrophizing was assessed by applying the pain catastrophizing scale (PCS) to the mothers of children who experienced postoperative circumcision pain. The mothers were divided into low-pain catastrophizing (Group 1) and high-pain catastrophizing (Group 2) group. A total of 197 mothers and sons participated in the study, with 86 (43.6%) in Group 1 and 111 (56.4%) in Group 2. Significant differences were found between the two groups in terms of the mothers' PCS scores (p < 0.001), education levels (p = 0.004), chronic pain scores (p = 0.022), and Beck Depression Inventory scores (p < 0.001). Our findings showed that children with high pain catastrophizing mothers experience greater postoperative pain than those with low pain catastrophizing mothers. This may be attributable to a mother's specific cognitive style for coping with pain, which is associated with the child's responses to painful experiences.

The Effect of Cold Application to the Lateral Neck Area on Peripheral Vascular Access Pain: A Randomised Controlled Study.

INTRODUCTION: Various types of vagus nerve stimulation are employed in the treatment of a range of conditions, including depression, anxiety, epilepsy, headache, tinnitus, atrial fibrillation, schizophrenia, and musculoskeletal pain. The objective of this study was to apply vagal stimulation to the neck area using standardised cold, and then analyse the level of vascular access discomfort experienced by individuals who underwent venous cannulation from the dorsal side of the hand prior to anaesthesia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 180 patients, aged 18-75, who were scheduled to undergo elective surgery, were categorised into three distinct groups: the Sham group (Group S), the Control group (Group K), and the Cold group (Group M), with each group consisting of 60 individuals. Bilateral cold application to the lateral side of the neck was performed prior to the commencement of vascular access in Group M patients, followed by the subsequent opening of vascular access. The alterations in heart rate among patients was assessed subsequent to the application of cold and following the establishment of vascular access. The participants were instructed to assess their level of vascular access pain on a numerical pain scale (NRS) ranging from 0 to 10. RESULTS: A statistically significant difference (p = 0.035) was seen when comparing the pain ratings of patients during vascular access. The study revealed that the NRS values exhibited a statistically significant decrease in Group M compared to both Group K (p = 0.038) and Group S (p = 0.048). Group M had a higher prevalence of individuals experiencing mild pain compared to other groups, and the difference was statistically significant (p = 0.029). In Group M, the average heart rate following vagal stimulation exhibited a statistically significant decrease compared to the average heart rate observed at the beginning of the study (p < 0.05). Upon comparing the original heart rate measurements with the heart rate values following vascular access, it was observed that there was an elevation in heart rate for both Group S and Group K. Conversely, Group M exhibited a decrease in heart rate after vascular access when compared to the initial heart rate values. CONCLUSIONS: In the present investigation, it was discovered that the application of cold to the neck region resulted in a drop in heart rate among the patients, which persisted throughout the process of vascular access. Furthermore, the level of pain experienced by these individuals was reduced during vascular access procedures.

The Efficacy of Hemoglobin, Albumin, Lymphocytes, and Platelets as a Prognostic Marker for Survival in Octogenarians and Nonagenarians Undergoing Colorectal Cancer Surgery.

Objectives: With the aging population worldwide, the octogenarians are becoming a substantial group and since cancer incidence increases by age, this group of patients is becoming more affected. However, no distinct treatment algorithm has been established for elderly patients with cancer. The present study aimed to determine the prognostic value of several inflammatory parameters by comparing octogenarian patients treated surgically for colorectal cancer with their younger counterparts, as well as to predict and prevent age-related complications in this frail group of patients. Methods: The demographic and clinical data were collected from octogenarians and older people as case group (51 patients) and from a nonelderly control group of patients 65 years old or younger (88 patients). Results: The results showed that Hemoglobin, Albumin, Lymphocytes, and Platelets (HALP) values were statistically different between case and control groups. Based on the results of the receiver operating characteristic analysis performed, there was a positive correlation between HALP and survival. HALP had a significant discrimination power at the good level [AUC = 0.775 (0.696-0.854); p < 0.001]. The multivariate model showed that age groups and HALP scores were significant factors for patient survival. Conclusions: HALP biomarker was associated with the prognosis of patients treated surgically for colorectal cancer with curative intent. Furthermore, HALP score was significantly different in octogenarians compared to their younger counterparts. The newly formulated Hemoglobin, Albumin, Lymphocytes, Platelets, and Age (HALPA) appeared to be a promising biomarker of survival for elderly patients scheduled for colorectal cancer surgery.

Can HALP (Hemoglobin, Albumin, Lymphocytes, and Platelets) Score Differentiate Between Malignant and Benign Causes of Acute Mechanic Intestinal Obstruction?

Background: Hematological parameters, including albumin and hemoglobin (Hb) levels and lymphocyte counts, are low-cost tests that can be used to determine inflammation and nutritional status. Recent studies have shown that inflammation plays a very important role in the development of carcinogenesis. Materials and Methods: The authors investigated whether preoperative hemoglobin, albumin, lymphocyte, and platelet (HALP) score can distinguish between benign and malignant causes in patients who are admitted to hospital and operated due to acute mechanical intestinal obstruction (AMIO). The patients were divided into two groups etiologically. Group 1 included the AMIO cases, which developed from benign causes, while Group II contained the AMIO cases, which developed as a result of malignancy. HALP score was calculated based on the latest preoperative Hb, albumin, lymphocyte, and platelet values of patients. Results: HALP variable was an independent prognostic factor (p < 0.001) in determining malignancy (odds ratio = 0.91; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.882-0.930). Based on the results, when a cutoff value <23.94 was used for HALP score in receiver operating characteristic analysis, sensitivity for determining the malignancy was 85%, while specificity was 78% (Area under the curve [AUC] ± standard error = 0.86 ± 0.029; 95% CI = 0.80-0.91; p < 0.001). Conclusions: The HALP score could be a useful parameter for the clinician in distinguishing between AMIO due to benign and malignant origins.

Delayed presentation of posttraumatic diaphragmatic hernia.

BACKGROUND: Missed diaphragmatic injuries after trauma may present with herniation of intraabdominal organs into the thoracic cavity. We aimed to review our patients who presented with delayed posttraumatic diaphragmatic hernia. METHODS: A retrospective review of the medical records of patients with delayed diagnosis of posttraumatic diaphragmatic hernia between 2001 and 2009 was performed. RESULTS: Ten patients with a mean age of 44.3 years were included. Six patients were female. Blunt injuries (n: 7) were more common. Mean duration between trauma and presentation to the hospital was 5.9 years (4 months - 19 years). Nine patients had left-sided diaphragmatic hernia. All patients had chest X-ray and most were diagnostic (n: 8). Additional diagnostic imaging with computerized tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance (MR) was used in seven patients. For the repair, laparotomy incision was chosen for seven patients and thoracotomy incision for two patients. One patient underwent left thoracoabdominal approach. Mesh repair was used in seven patients. Postoperative mean hospitalization was 10.6 days. Empyema and atelectasis were the morbidities in one patient. No postoperative mortality was detected. CONCLUSION: Delayed presentation of posttraumatic diaphragmatic hernia is a serious challenge for trauma surgeons. Prompt diagnosis and treatment prevent serious morbidity and mortality associated with complications such as gangrene and/or perforation of the herniated organ.

Could lymphocyte to C-reactive protein ratio predict the prognosis in patients with gastric cancer?

BACKGROUND: Development or progression of inflammation in neoplastic diseases is known to be part of the disease. Lymphocyte to C-reactive protein ratio (LCR) is a new indicator showing the inflammatory state. The aim of this study is to show the clinical importance of the relationship between the preoperative LCR and the prognosis of patients with gastric cancer. METHODS AND PATIENTS: We evaluated gastric cancer patients, who underwent surgery between 2010 and 2015. LCR and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) were calculated from pre-treatment of complete blood counts. Both ratios were compared to the perioperative outcomes and median survival times. Association between LCR and postoperative tumour stage was studied by using multivariate analysis with other clinicopathological variables. RESULTS: A total of 123 patients were included. The mean age of the patients was 65.36 ± 10.08. Preoperative low LCR value was associated with advanced tumour stage, adjacent organ invasion, lymph node metastasis and postoperative early complications. The receiver operating characteristic analysis results showed that LCR and NLR parameters were significant (CI 0.718-0.886; 95%); P < 0.001, CI 0.534-0.732; 95%). Cut-off value being 193, the mean survival of patients who had LCR values of overcut-off value was found to be significantly higher compared with the patients with lower LCR values (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: LCR, a simple calculated ratio of values obtained from easy and widely available serum indicators could be an effective prognostic marker with gastric cancer.

The Efficiency of Laparoscopic Common Bile Duct Exploration in Endoscopic Retrograde-Cholangiopancreatography-Limited Setting in a Peripheral University Hospital.

Background: The aim of this study is to evaluate complications and costs in patients treated with laparoscopic and open method for common bile duct (CBD) stones. Secondary aim is to compare the effectiveness, safety, and outcomes of these methods. In addition, it is aimed to review the feasibility of laparoscopic method in rural areas. Methods: Seventy-one patients were analyzed retrospectively. Patients were divided into two groups as open and laparoscopic surgical method. These groups were analyzed comparatively in terms of complications and costs. Subgroups were formed from patients who underwent T-tube drainage, primary closure, and biliary anastomosis as choledochotomy management. As a secondary outcome, these three subgroups were investigated in terms of complications and cost. Results: The cost was lower in open method compared to laparoscopic method (484$, 707$, P = .002). There was no significant difference in postoperative complications between groups (P = .257). While the mean hospital stay was longer in the open group, the operation time was shorter (P = .002, P = .03). The mean length of hospital stay in the T-tube group was significantly higher than the primary closure (P = .001). The cost in the T-tube group was significantly higher than the primary closure and biliary anastomosis groups. Conclusion: Laparoscopic CBD exploration by experienced surgeons in endoscopic retrograde-cholangiopancreatography-limited settings is an effective and safe method in the treatment of choledocholithiasis. This procedure should not be limited to reference centers and should be performed safely in rural areas by well-trained surgeons.

Performance of Residents During Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: Is Self-assessment Reliable?

BACKGROUND: To compare the self-assessment of surgical residents and observers (faculty members and nurses) during laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective observational study was conducted between February 2020 and July 2020 at a medical school hospital. Seventy-four LC surgeries were performed by surgical residents in the presence of faculty members. A self-assessment of the technical and nontechnical performance of the residents was requested. The self-assessment of residents was compared with observer evaluations using the Kruskal-Wallis test. Gwet AC2 fit coefficient was used to determine the consistency between the observers' and residents' assessments. Bland-Altman plots were generated with 95% limits of agreement to describe the agreement between the total scores of the observers. RESULTS: The self-assessment of residents had a statistically significant higher score when compared with observers (faculty and nurses) (P<0.001). However, no significant difference was observed between the total scores given by the observers (faculty members and nurses) (P>0.05). There was a moderate agreement between the resident versus faculty members [0.503; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.430-0.576] and resident versus nurse (0.518; 95% CI, 0.432-0.605) when evaluating technical skills. However, there was substantial agreement between faculty members and nurses (0.736; 95% CI, 0.684-0.789). Postoperative pain was significantly correlated with resident self-assessment (P=0.022). CONCLUSION: The self-assessment scores of surgical residents in LC operations were overestimated compared with observer assessments.

Association between Shoulder Range of Motion and Pain Catastrophizing Scale in Breast Cancer Patients after Surgery.

BACKGROUND: Prolonged survival period as a result of early diagnosis and treatment in breast cancer has increased the importance of postoperative morbidities. The aim of the present study was to investigate the association of pain ca-tastrophizing with shoulder pain in patients with decreased shoulder range of motion in the postoperative period. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The present study included 53 patients who underwent surgery due to breast cancer. Patients who had bilateral mastectomy, distant metastases, cervical-cranial originated lesions, patients with problems involving one of the shoulders or upper extremities before the operation, and patients with cognitive impairment, heart failure, or low albumin levels (liver parenchyma disease or renal failure) were excluded. Shoulder range of motion was measured in the postoperative period, and two study groups were established: one with a limited shoulder range of motion level and the other with a normal level. Effects of pain catastrophizing and shoulder pain severity on shoulder range of motion limitation were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: The average age of 53 female patients who had breast surgery was 52.3 ± 10.5 years. In the group with limited shoulder range of motion, the median pain catastrophizing scale value was 27 (range 5-32) and the shoulder pain severity score was 4 (range 0-8), while in the group with normal shoulder range of motion these values were 11 (range 3-39) and 2 (range 0-6), respectively (p < 0.05). In addition, it was found that factors such as surgical treatment modality and postoperative radiotherapy did not significantly affect shoulder range of motion limitation. CONCLUSION: Determining the pain catastrophizing scale of patients and controlling pain in the early postoperative period could have positive effects on shoulder range of motion.

Transrectal vacuum treatment for low colorectal anastomotic leaks.

BACKGROUND: Anastomotic leakage after rectal resection is a major complication which increases the rates of morbidity and mortality. A small number of patients with generalised peritonitis need radical surgical treatments. Stable patients with local peritonitis can be treated conservatively. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of transrectal vacuum treatment on the healing of low colorectal anastomotic leaks. METHODS: Medical records of fourteen patients managed conservatively with transrectal vacuum treatment for anastomotic leakage after rectal resection between September 2015 and September 2018, were retrospectively reviewed. Anastomotic leakage was documented and evaluated with computerised tomography and rectosigmoidoscopy. RESULTS: 10 of 14 patients had successful closure of the perianastomotic abscess cavity after a mean of 19 days of vacuum treatment. 2 patients in this group had stricture on the anastomotic site as a late complication which was successfully treated with repeated dilatations. 4 of 14 patients had eventually a permanent sigmoid colostomy. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that transrectal vacuum treatment can be safely used to all stable patients without generalised peritonitis in the management of low colorectal anastomotic leakages. KEY WORDS: Anastomotic leakage, Rectosigmoidoscopy, Vacuum treatment, VAC.