Variability in sonographic anterior drawer test measurements of the ankle: Experienced versus beginner examiners.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to clarify the variability in the measurements of stress sonography of the ankle and determine the effects of examiner experience on the measurements. METHODS: Twenty examiners (10 experienced and 10 beginners) were included in the study. Each examiner performed stress ultrasonography on a patient with a chronic anterior talofibular ligament injury and a patient with an intact ligament using the reverse anterior drawer method. Changes in ligament length before versus after stress were determined. The same 20 examiners performed ultrasonography on two other patients with an injured or intact ATFL using the anterior drawer method. The length change values and variance were compared between the groups using t-tests and F-tests. RESULTS: Using the reverse anterior drawer method, the change in the anterior talofibular ligament length was 3.3 mm (range, 2.2-4.8 mm) in the experienced group and 2.7 mm (0.0-4.1 mm) in the beginner group for the ligament injured patient. The length changes for the patient with intact anterior talofibular ligament were 0.5 mm (0.1-0.9 mm) and 0.4 mm (-0.1-1.5 mm) in the experienced and beginner groups, respectively. There were no significant intergroup differences in measurement amount (P = 0.37) or variance (P = 0.72). Similarly, using the anterior drawer method, no significant differences between the groups were found in measurement amount or variance. CONCLUSION: The quantitative evaluation of stress sonography of the ankle was variable regardless of examiner experience or stress method, particularly in patients with an anterior talofibular ligament injury. The amount of variability appeared to be unacceptably large for clinical application. Our study results highlight the need for technical standardization.

Pedunculated early colorectal cancer with nodal metastasis: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Pedunculated polyps are more likely to be amenable to complete resection than non-pedunculated early colorectal cancers and rarely require additional surgery. We encountered a patient with a pedunculated early colorectal cancer that consisted of poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma with lymphatic invasion. We performed an additional bowel resection and found nodal metastasis. CASE PRESENTATION: A 43-year-old woman underwent colonoscopy after a positive fecal occult blood test. The colonoscopist found a 20-mm pedunculated polyp in the descending colon and performed endoscopic resection. Histopathologic examination revealed non-solid type poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma. The lesion invaded the submucosa (3500 µm from the muscularis mucosa) and demonstrated lymphatic invasion. In spite of the early stage of this cancer, the patient was considered at high risk for nodal metastasis. She was referred to our institution, where she underwent bowel resection. Although there was no residual cancer after her endoscopic resection, a metastatic lesion was found in one regional lymph node. The patient is undergoing postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy, and there has been no evidence of recurrence 3 months after the second surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Additional bowel resection is indicated for patients with pedunculated polyps and multiple risk factors for nodal metastasis, such as poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma and lymphatic invasion. We encountered just such a patient who did have a nodal metastasis; herein, we report her case history with a review of the literature.

Single vs. repeated matrix metalloproteinase-13 knockdown with intra-articular short interfering RNA administration in a murine osteoarthritis model.

Purpose: Our aims were 1) to estimate the duration of short interfering RNA (siRNA) effect on matrix metalloproteinase-13 (Mmp-13) levels by a single intra-articular injection using a mouse knee osteoarthritis (OA) model and 2) to test whether repeated injections results in any additional suppressive effect on cartilage degradation compared to a single injection. Materials and Methods: OA was induced in 9 weeks old male C57BL/6 mice by destabilization of medial meniscus (DMM). Chemically modified siRNA targeted for Mmp-13 was injected into the knee joint at 1 week post-DMM surgery. Control group of knees received that for non-targeted genes. Synovial tissue was collected to measure Mmp-13 expression levels by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) at 2, 3, and 6 weeks after surgery in each group. To test the effect of multiple injections, we created four experiment groups according to the number of injections. Histological assessment of articular cartilage was performed at 8 weeks post-DMM surgery. Results: In the Mmp-13 siRNA-treated group, expression levels of Mmp-13 mRNA were decreased by 40% compared to the control group at 2 weeks after surgery (p = 0.04), before returning to baseline at 3 weeks after surgery. A significant improvement in the histological score was observed in all Mmp-13 siRNA-treated groups compared to the control group (p < 0.05). However, no significant differences were seen between the single and multiple injection group. Conclusions: Our results suggested that the duration of siRNA effect in the knee joint lasts for at least 1 week, and that no further benefit is achieved by multiple injections.

Avulsion fracture of the distal fibula is associated with recurrent sprain after ankle sprain in children.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to clarify radiographic and clinical outcomes, as well as their association, of ankle sprain in children. METHODS: Patients who sustained a first-time ankle sprain were prospectively surveyed. Patients underwent radiography of the ankle in the mortise, lateral, anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL), and calcaneofibular ligament views at the first clinic visit to assess avulsion fractures of the distal fibula. Patients with avulsion fractures underwent radiography after 8 weeks to assess bone union. The treatment method was not standardized and was determined by the patient, their parents, and the treating physician. Recurrent sprain and quality of life were evaluated by using the Self-Administered Foot Evaluation Questionnaire and reviewing the medical records of patients. The association between avulsion fracture and recurrent sprain was assessed using univariate and multivariate analyses. RESULTS: A total of 143 patients with a median age of 9 (range 6-12) years were analyzed. Avulsion fractures were present in 89 (62%) patients. The sensitivity of the ATFL view for the diagnosis of avulsion fractures was 0.94, whereas that for the anteroposterior and lateral views was significantly lower at 0.46 (P < 0.001). Only 17% of fractures united at 8 weeks. Of 114 (follow-up rate, 80%) patients who were followed up for a median period of 24 months, recurrent sprain occurred in 41 (36%) patients. The incidence rate was significantly higher in patients with avulsion fractures than in patients without the fractures (44 vs. 23%, P = 0.027). In multivariate logistic regression analysis, avulsion fracture was independently associated with recurrent sprain (P = 0.027). CONCLUSION: More than one-third of patients experienced recurrent sprain. The presence of avulsion fracture was associated with an increased risk of recurrent sprain. Patients with avulsion fracture and their parents should be informed about the risk of recurrent sprain and subsequent ankle instability, and careful follow-up is needed for these patients. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Efficacy of foot orthoses as nonoperative treatment for hallux valgus: A 2-year follow-up study.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to clarify the 2-year clinical and radiological outcomes of nonoperative treatment using foot orthosis for hallux valgus patients. METHODS: Patients who underwent nonoperative treatment using foot orthosis were surveyed prospectively. Foot orthoses were made by one certified orthotist using the standardized method. Pain and quality of life were evaluated using subjective and objective assessment measures at 3, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months. Furthermore, radiological outcomes, patient satisfaction, and adherence to treatment were surveyed. RESULTS: A total of 53 patients (50 women and 3 men; median age, 63 years) were included for analysis. The pain visual analogue scale score significantly decreased over time, with the lowest score observed at 12 months. The treatment effect was maintained over 24 months (median score, 52, 21, and 27 points at baseline, 12 months, and 24 months, respectively; P < .001). The Japanese Society for Surgery of the Foot hallux scale, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons Foot and Ankle Scale, and 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey bodily pain subscale also improved, although the treatment effects were maximal at 6 months and decreased thereafter. At 24 months, 43 (81%) patients continued to use the orthosis, with the median visual analogue scale score for patient satisfaction of 76 points. The hallux valgus angle and intermetatarsal angle did not change during the 24-month period. CONCLUSION: Nonoperative treatment using foot orthoses decreased pain in patients with hallux valgus. The effect of treatment was maintained up to 2 years with a relatively high degree of patient satisfaction. However, treating physicians should inform patients to set realistic expectations and be aware that a limited degree of pain reduction is expected.

Efficacy and short-term outcomes of preoperative chemoradiotherapy with intermittent oral tegafur-uracil plus leucovorin in Japanese rectal cancer patients: a single center experience retrospective analysis.

BACKGROUND: Various types of preoperative chemoradiotherapy (CRT) have been established for rectal cancer; thus, Physicians will need to refine the selection of appropriate preoperative CRT for different patients since there are various treatment regimens. Oral tegafur-uracil (UFT) plus leucovorin (LV) is commonly used to treat rectal cancer in Japan. Oral chemotherapy offers patients many potential advantages. Since 2008, we have been performing preoperative CRT with intermittent oral UFT plus LV in locally advanced rectal cancer patients to prevent postoperative local recurrence. Here, in a retrospective analysis, we evaluated the efficacy and short-term outcomes of preoperative CRT with intermittent oral UFT plus LV. METHODS: We analyzed data from 62 patients with locally advanced rectal cancer, including 31 patients who underwent preoperative CRT between 2009 and 2013 (the CRT group) and 31 patients who were treated with surgery alone between 2001 and 2008 (the non-CRT group). Clinicopathologically, both groups included patients with rectal cancer at clinical tumor stages III-IV or clinical node stages 0-III. In the CRT group, curative operations were performed ≥8 weeks after CRT. Patients were concomitantly treated with 2 cycles of oral UFT (300 mg/m2/day, days 1-14 and 29-42) plus LV (75 mg/day, days 1-14 and 29-42) and 45 Gy of radiotherapy. Chemotherapy was repeated every 28 days, followed by a 2-week break. RESULTS: The completion rate of CRT was high at 94% (n = 29/31). The downstaging rate of CRT was 61% (n = 19/31). The pathological complete response rate was 6.5% (n = 2/31). Significant differences were observed in the 3-year local recurrence rate between the two groups (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative CRT with intermittent oral UFT plus LV appears to be a tolerable and effective treatment for Japanese patients with rectal cancer. A further investigation of a diversification of preoperative CRT for Japanese rectal cancer patients is required.

Fluctuations in metabolite content in the liver of magnesium-deficient rats.

Mg deficiency induces various metabolic disturbances including glucose metabolism in the liver. However, no comprehensive information is currently available on the metabolic pathways affected by Mg deficiency. The present study examined metabolite content in the liver of Mg-deficient rats using a metabolomic analysis. In this study, 4-week-old, male Sprague-Dawley rats were fed a control diet or a Mg-deficient diet for 8 weeks. The metabolomic analysis identified 105 metabolites in the liver, and significant differences were observed in the hepatic contents for thirty-three metabolites between the two groups. An analysis by MetaboAnalyst, a web-based metabolome data analysis tool, indicated that the Mg deficiency affected taurine/hypotaurine metabolism, methionine metabolism and glycine/serine/threonine metabolism; taurine, hypotaurine, glycine, serine and threonine contents were increased by Mg deficiency, whereas the amounts of 2-ketobutyric acid (a metabolite produced by the catabolism of cystathionine or threonine) and 5'-methylthioadenosine (a metabolite involved in spermidine synthesis) were decreased. The amount of glucose 6-phosphate, a hub metabolite of glycolysis/gluconeogenesis and the pentose phosphate pathway, was significantly decreased in Mg-deficient rats. Mg deficiency also decreased metabolite contents from the citric acid cycle, including citric acid, fumaric acid and malic acid. Aberrant metabolism may be related to the allosteric regulation of enzymes; the mRNA levels of enzymes were generally similar between the two groups. The present study suggests that the Mg deficiency-mediated modulation of hepatic metabolism is as yet uncharacterised.

Impending Atypical Femoral Fracture on the Contralateral Side Progressed to a Complete Fracture Early after Surgery for an Atypical Femoral Fracture: A Case Report.

Introduction: Long-term bisphosphonate (BP) administration may cause an atypical femoral fracture that is occasionally bilateral. We encountered a case of an impending atypical femoral fracture on the contralateral side that progressed to a complete fracture early after surgery for an atypical femoral fracture. Case Report: An 83-year-old woman who had received long-term BP therapy developed a right femoral atypical incomplete fracture that progressed to a complete fracture 5 days after surgery for an atypical complete left femoral fracture. Conclusion: The findings from this case suggest that when an atypical femoral fracture occurs in patients receiving long-term BP therapy, the possibility of an impending atypical femoral fracture on the contralateral side should be considered, and radiographs or CT images should be obtained for both legs. To prevent long-term bed rest in older adults, one- or two-stage bilateral surgery should be considered when imaging reveals bilateral atypical femoral fractures.

Endoscopic treatment of anastomotic leakage after colorectal surgery by using polyglycolic acid sheets and fibrin glue.

We describe the case of a 66-year-old man with an anastomotic fistula after rectal surgery, which was treated colonoscopically using polyglycolic acid sheets and fibrin glue. Polyglycolic acid sheets and fibrin glue have been used in thoracic surgery and otolaryngology to reinforce sutures and prevent air leakage. There have been recent reports of their use in endoscopic surgery for the closure of intraoperative perforations after endoscopic submucosal dissection and for fistula closure after upper gastrointestinal tract surgery. However, anastomotic fistulas in colorectal surgery are difficult to visualize endoscopically and may be difficult to suture with clips due to fibrosis. Polyglycolic acid sheets can be easily trimmed, and the fistula can be easily filled using these sheets; moreover, using fibrin glue to fix the sheets may enable fistula closure in areas that are difficult to visualize endoscopically.

Multiple thoracolumbar compression fractures induced by glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis and cachexia in a young adult female patient with systemic lupus erythematosus: a case report with a 5-year follow-up.

BACKGROUND: High doses of glucocorticoids and severe weight loss can cause osteoporosis. We present a case of glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis and cachexia in an 18-year-old woman who experienced severe appetite loss leading to weight loss, amenorrhea, and multiple thoracolumbar compression fractures. CASE PRESENTATION: The patient had been receiving high-dose glucocorticoid treatment for systemic lupus erythematosus since the age of 13 and developed unexplained appetite loss since the age of 16. She subsequently developed thoracolumbar compression fractures, which necessitated repeated hospitalization. Gradual glucocorticoid tapering using belimumab and weight regain were achieved through high-calorie nutrition administration via the central vein, which helped the patient overcome her cachexic state. Romosozumab administration increased bone mineral density. CONCLUSION: Long-term administration of glucocorticoids may lead to osteoporosis and cachexia, resulting in amenorrhea, especially in young adults. Approaches that taper glucocorticoids and promote weight regain may be helpful in the management of such patients.

[A case of basaloid cell carcinoma of the anal canal in which complete response was obtained by chemoradiation therapy].

The patient was a 69-year-old woman with a chief complaint of melena, who had a palpable firm mass and tenderness on digital rectal examination. Colonoscopy (CS) showed a depressed hemorrhagic lesion 2cm in diameter on the left anterior wall of the anal canal near the dentate line. Biopsy examination yielded a diagnosis of basaloid cell carcinoma. On the basis of a diagnosis of clinical stage I (T1N0M0) anal canal cancer, chemoradiotherapy was performed. After treatment, no tumor cells were detected on biopsy. Basaloid cell carcinoma, accounting for about 1.6% of anal canal cancers, is rare. Only 4 among 62 reported cases (including our patient) received chemoradiation therapy.

Vertebral fracture at the caudal end of diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis treated with vertebroplasty via double-endplate penetrating screw trajectory and posterior spinal fixation with a new hybrid strategy using cement-augmented fenestrated pedicle screws.

Vertebral fractures in diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH) are often unstable. We encountered a case of vertebral fracture at the caudal end of DISH in which vertebroplasty was performed via a double endplate penetrating screw (DEPS) trajectory, and short posterior fixation was performed using the DEPS technique on the cranial vertebrae, including the fractured vertebra; conventional pedicle screw to the caudal vertebrae; and cement-augmented fenestrated pedicle screws to the caudal end vertebra. A 93-year-old man presented with a vertebral fracture at the caudal end of a DISH after a fall. He underwent surgery for lower back pain due to spinal instability. Vertebroplasty via DEPS trajectory can shorten the posterior fixation range. Using cement-augmented fenestrated pedicle screws to the caudal end vertebra enables balancing of the posterior fixation force. This strategy should be considered when a vertebral fracture is found at the caudal end of the DISH.

Appendiceal cancer showing a submucosal tumor-like morphology in the ascending colon on colonoscopy: a case report.

Few reports have described a submucosal tumor (SMT)-like colon tumor together with appendiceal cancer. Moreover, some appendiceal tumors may exhibit a cecal protuberance. Here, we report an uncommon case of appendiceal cancer with an SMT-like tumor, which was a protuberant lesion in the ascending colon. To our knowledge, this is the first report in Japan. Our case was a 50-year-old man with an ascending colon tumor presented at our hospital for further evaluation of this lesion. This was discovered as a cystic lesion near the ascending colon on colonoscopy. Our initial diagnosis was an ascending colon SMT-like tumor, and our treatment strategy was laparoscopic resection. The differential diagnosis was appendiceal cancer or mucocele. Postoperative pathological findings led to a diagnosis of adenocarcinoma of the appendix. The postoperative course was uneventful, and the patient was followed up with computed tomography and blood sampling on an outpatient basis.

Staphylococcus aureus MazG hydrolyzes oxidized guanine nucleotides and contributes to oxidative stress resistance.

We previously reported that knockout of the mazG (SA1292) gene decreases Staphylococcus aureus killing activity against silkworms. S. aureus MazG (SaMazG) has a nucleotide pyrophosphatase domain conserved among MazG family proteins, but its biochemical characteristics are unknown. In the present study, we purified recombinant N-terminal His-tagged SaMazG protein and examined its biochemical activity. SaMazG hydrolyzed GTP, UTP, dGTP, and TTP into nucleoside monophosphates. Hydrolytic activity of SaMazG against ATP, CTP, dATP, and dCTP was low or not detected. SaMazG exhibited high hydrolytic activity against 8-oxo-GTP and 8-oxo-dGTP, oxidized guanine nucleotides, with a Vmax/Km ratio more than 15-fold that of GTP. Furthermore, the S. aureus mazG knockout mutant was sensitive to hydrogen peroxide compared with the parent strain. These results suggest that SaMazG is a nucleotide pyrophosphatase hydrolyzing oxidized guanine nucleotides that contributes to the oxidative stress resistance of S. aureus.

Effect of romosozumab in premenopausal women with severe osteoporosis and anorexia nervosa.

Objectives: This study aims to investigate the effects of romosozumab on bone mineral density (BMD) and bone metabolism. Methods: In this retrospective case series, romosozumab was administered to 5 premenopausal female patients with osteoporosis and anorexia nervosa with fragility fractures. BMD and bone turnover marker changes were investigated at 6 months and 1 year after administering romosozumab. Results: BMD increased and high-turnover bone metabolism decreased 6 months and 1 year after administering romosozumab. Conclusions: Romosozumab is useful for treating osteoporosis in patients with anorexia nervosa.

New Scale Predicting Distant Recurrence in Locally Advanced Lower Rectal Cancer Patients After Neoadjuvant Chemoradiotherapy.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT) for locally advanced lower rectal cancer (LALRC) is effective in preventing locoregional recurrence; however, it is less effective for preventing distant recurrence. This study aimed to evaluate a new scale for predicting distant recurrence before administering nCRT. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Sixty-three patients underwent nCRT for LALRC between 2009 and 2016 at the Tokyo Women's Medical University. Of these, 51 consecutive patients who underwent curative surgery were enrolled in this study. Patients with ≥cT3 status or cN-positive LALRC were classified into three groups before nCRT based on the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR): high-risk, NLR ≥3.2 and LMR <5.0; intermediate-risk, NLR <3.2 and LMR ≥5.0 or NLR ≥3.2 and LMR <5.0; and low-risk, NLR <3.2 and LMR ≥5.0. Independent risk factors associated with distant relapse-free survival were analysed using the Cox proportional hazards model. Relapse-free survival from distant metastasis was evaluated using the log-rank test. RESULTS: Patient characteristics and tumour-associated factors were not significantly different between the groups. Distant recurrence in the high-, intermediate-, and low-risk groups was 61.5%, 42.9%, and 20.8% (p=0.046), respectively. In the multivariate analysis, the new scale was an independent risk factor for distant relapse-free survival (high-risk vs. low-risk groups, p=0.004 and intermediate-risk vs. low-risk groups, p=0.055). The 3-year distant relapse-free survival rate in the high-, intermediate-, and low-risk groups was 38.5%, 56.3%, and 81.7% (p=0.028), respectively. CONCLUSION: A new scale combining the pre-nCRT NLR and LMR was independently associated with distant relapse-free survival. The new scale for LALRC may aid selection for total neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

Prognostic risk factors for pT4 colon cancer: A retrospective cohort study.

The present study aimed to clarify the prognostic risk factors for pathological T4 (pT4) colon cancer and provide a basis for improved treatment in affected patients. The current retrospective cohort study included 83 consecutively enrolled patients who underwent curative surgery for primary pT4 colon cancer between January 2014 and December 2021 at Tokyo Medical Women's University (Tokyo, Japan). Oncological outcomes, including recurrence pattern, were compared between patients with pT4a and pT4b colon cancer. Independent risk factors associated with overall survival (OS) and relapse-free survival (RFS) were analyzed using a multivariate Cox regression model. The 3-year OS rates were 85.1 and 95.0% in the pT4a and pT4b groups (P=0.089) and 3-year RFS rates were 64.1 and 60.5% (P=0.589), respectively. Moreover, the 3-year peritoneal recurrence-free survival was 71.0 and 90.2% (P=0.085) in these groups, respectively. Independent risk factors for OS were histology (mucinous or poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma), tumor location (right-sided) and pN status (positive). The risk factors for RFS were histology and pN status. Patients with pT4b colon cancer and R0 resection may not have a poorer prognosis compared with those with pT4a colon cancer. However, patients with pT4a colon cancer tended to have more peritoneal recurrence patterns. Histology and pN status were associated with OS and RFS, and right-sided colon cancer was also a risk factor for OS.

[Evaluation of modified OPTIMOX1 plus bevacizumab as the neoadjuvant therapy for highly advanced rectal cancers].

UNLABELLED: We evaluated the efficacy and safety of neoadjuvant chemotherapy using modified OPTIMOX1 plus bevacizumab for advanced rectal cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Nine cases with highly advanced rectal cancer for which curative surgery was potentially difficult were enrolled(clinical T4 in 7 cases, lateral node metastasis in 3 cases, M1 in 2 cases). RESULTS: The number of courses of modified OPTIMOX1(mFOLFOX6 and sLV5FU2, alternating administration)plus bevacizumab ranged from 1 to 21(median: 10). Surgical procedures consisted of internal sphincter resection(ISR)in 4 patients, ultra-low anterior resection(ULAR)in 2 patients, pelvic exenteration(TPE)in 2 patients, and Hartmann's procedure in 1 patient. Liver resection was conducted in 2 patients. RM1 was confirmed in 2 patients, but curative surgery was performed in the other patients. Histological efficacy of grade x/1a/1b/2were seen in the above 1/4/2/2 cases, respectively. Neurotoxicity associated with oxaliplatin was mild; no grade 3 neurotoxicity was noted. Recurrence has been confirmed in 5 patients at the median follow-up period of 650 days. CONCLUSION: It was suggested that modified OPTIMOX1 plus bevacizumab is effective and safe to administer as a neoadjuvant chemotherapy for curative resection or anus-preserving surgery in patients with highly advanced rectal cancer.

Aluminum potassium sulfate and tannic acid (ALTA) sclerotherapy complicating laparoscopic low anterior resection of rectal cancer: Case report.

INTRODUCTION: Aluminum potassium sulfate and tannic acid (ALTA) sclerotherapy is increasingly popular for treating internal hemorrhoids. This injectable compound incites inflammation to dampen hemorrhoidal blood flow and inflict secondary fibrosis. Herein, we detail the implications of ALTA treatment for laparoscopic low anterior resection of rectal cancer. PATIENT PRESENTATION: A 72-year-old man receiving ALTA sclerotherapy for internal hemorrhoids thereafter required laparoscopic low anterior resection for newly discovered early rectal cancer. Observed changes of anal canal resembled those of radiochemotherapy and proved problematic. There was mural thickening and sclerosis at the planned resection site. To ensure proper removal, the bowel was compressed and stapled slowly. A two-shot resection took place (without straining), anastomosis was performed, and a covering stoma was constructed. Recovery was uneventful, allowing discharge on postoperative Day 10. The ileostomy was closed at a later time. DISCUSSION: Although little information is available on long-term rectal pathology after ALTA therapy, existing data suggest that sclerosis persists well beyond injection timeframes. Hence, caution is required in dissecting and debriding sclerotic remnants. We have identified only four earlier reports in this setting, the present case providing added perspective. CONCLUSION: Colonoscopy is highly advisable prior to ALTA therapy. A thorough work-up before rectal surgery is also essential, documenting any past treatments for anorectal disease, especially ALTA.