Fecal incontinence and radiation dose on anal sphincter in patients with locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) treated with preoperative chemoradiotherapy: a retrospective, single-institutional study.

BACKGROUND: The objective of the study is to determine the correlations among the variables of dose and the sphincter function (SF) in patients with locally advanced rectal cancer treated with preoperative capecitabine/radiotherapy followed by low anterior resection (LAR) + TME. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 92 consecutive patients with LARC treated at our center with LAR from 2006 and more than 2 years free from disease. We re-contoured the anal sphincters (AS) of patients with the help of the radiologist. SF was assessed with the Wexner scale (0-20 points, being punctuation inversely proportional to annal sphincter functionality). All questionnaires were filled out between January 2010 and December 2012. Dosimetric parameters that have been studied include V 20, V 30, V 40, V 50, mean dose (D mean), minimum dose (D min), D 90 (dose received by 90% of the sphincter) and D 98. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: The correlations among the variables of dose and SF were studied by the Spearman correlation coefficient. Differences in SF relating to maximum doses to the sphincter were assessed by the Mann-Whitney test. RESULTS: Mean Wexner score was 5.5 points higher in those patients with V 20 > 0 compared to those for which V 20 = 0 (p = 0.008). In a multivariate regression model, results suggest that the effect of V 20 on poor anal sphincter control is independent of the effect of distance, with an adjusted OR of 3.42. CONCLUSIONS: In order to improve the SF in rectal cancer treated with preoperative radiotherapy/capecitabine followed by conservative surgery, the maximum radiation dose to the AS should be limited, when possible, to <20 Gy.

Oncological outcome following anastomotic leak in rectal surgery.

BACKGROUND: The influence of anastomotic leak on local recurrence and survival remains debated in rectal cancer. METHODS: This was a multicentre observational study using data from the Spanish Rectal Cancer Project database. Demographics, American Society of Anesthesiologists classification, tumour location, stage, use of defunctioning stoma, administration of neoadjuvant and adjuvant treatment, invasion of circumferential resection margin, quality of mesorectal excision and anastomotic leakage were recorded. Anastomotic leak was defined as an anastomotic event requiring surgical intervention or interventional radiology, including pelvic abscesses without radiological evidence of leakage and early rectovaginal fistulas. Variables associated with oncological outcome were assessed by multivariable Cox regression analysis. RESULTS: A total of 1181 consecutive patients were included. Rates of anastomotic leak and 30-day postoperative mortality were 9·4 and 2·4 per cent respectively. Data from 1153 patients were analysed after a median follow-up of 5 years. Cumulative rates of local recurrence, overall recurrence, overall survival and cancer-specific survival were 4·9, 19·4, 77·5 and 84·7 per cent respectively. In the multivariable regression analysis, anastomotic leakage was not associated with local recurrence (hazard ratio (HR) 0·80, 95 per cent c.i. 0·28 to 2·26; P = 0·669), overall recurrence (HR 1·14, 0·70 to 1·85; P = 0·606), overall survival (HR 1·10, 0·73 to 1·65; P = 0·648) or cancer-specific survival (HR 1·23, 0·75 to 2·02; P = 0·421). CONCLUSION: Anastomotic leak after low anterior resection did not affect oncological outcomes in these patients.

Multicentre propensity score-matched analysis of conventional versus extended abdominoperineal excision for low rectal cancer.

BACKGROUND: Abdominal perineal excision (APE) was originally described with levator ani removal for rectal cancer. An even wider, more aggressive extralevator resection for APE has been proposed. Although some surgeons are performing a very wide 'extralevator APE (ELAPE)', there are few data to recommend it routinely. This multicentre study aimed to compare outcomes of APE and ELAPE. METHODS: A multicentre propensity case-matched analysis comparing two surgical approaches (APE and ELAPE) was performed. All patients who underwent abdominoperineal resection of a rectal tumour were considered for the analysis. Tumour height was defined by magnetic resonance imaging measurement and patients with stage II-III tumours had neoadjuvant radiochemotherapy. Involvement of the circumferential resection margin (CRM) and intraoperative tumour perforation were the main outcome measures. A logistic regression model was used to study the relationship between the surgical approaches and outcomes. RESULTS: From January 2008 to March 2013 a total of 1909 consecutive patients underwent APE or ELAPE, of whom 914 matched patients (457 in each group) formed the cohort for analysis. Intraoperative tumour perforation occurred in 7.9 and 7.7 per cent of patients during APE and ELAPE respectively (P = 0.902), and there was CRM involvement in 13.1 and 13.6 per cent (P = 0.846). There were no differences between APE and ELAPE in terms of postoperative complication rates (52.3 versus 48.1 per cent; P = 0.209), need for reoperation (7.7 versus 7.0 per cent; P = 0.703), perineal wound problems (26.0 versus 21.9 per cent; P = 0.141), mortality rate (2.0 versus 2.0 per cent; P = 1.000) and local recurrence rate at 2 years (2.7 versus 5.6 per cent; P = 0.664). CONCLUSION: ELAPE does not improve rates of CRM involvement, intraoperative tumour perforation, local recurrence or mortality.

Impact of a multidisciplinary team training programme on rectal cancer outcomes in Spain.

AIM: The Spanish Rectal Cancer Project was established in 2006, inspired by the Norwegian Rectal Cancer Project. It consisted of an educational project aiming to introduce mesorectal excision surgery to surgeons, pathologists and radiologists. Its effect on local recurrence (LR) was compared with the Norwegian Project. METHOD: An observational cohort study was carried out including all patients (4700) with rectal cancer from a population of 19 329 992 inhabitants operated on in 51 Spanish hospitals between March 2006 and June 2010. Curative resection was defined as a resection with an uninvolved circumferential margin in patients without distant metastases and without intra-operative rectal perforation. The effectiveness of the programme was measured by a central registry with feedback to participating institutions of their own results compared with the national average. The main outcome measures were LR and adverse effects in curative resections. RESULTS: Of the 4700 patients, 3213 had a resection considered to be curative. LR rates were 4.7% (95% CI 0.03-0.59), metastasis rate was 16% (95% CI 0.14-0.17) and overall survival was 87.8% (95% CI 0.86-0.89). Multivariate analysis showed that advanced TNM stage and decreasing distance of the tumour from the anal verge had a negative influence on LR. CONCLUSION: This study shows that the results obtained in Norway have been reproduced in a larger population in Spain applying a similar methodology.

Sacral nerve stimulation for the treatment of faecal incontinence following low anterior resection for rectal cancer.

AIM: The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of sacral nerve stimulation (SNS) in the management of faecal incontinence following neoadjuvant therapy and low anterior resection (LAR) for rectal cancer. METHOD: In a prospective single-centre study, 15 patients (12 men, median age 72 years) were enrolled between 2005 and 2008. All had severe incontinence after total mesorectal excision, and 14 had received preoperative full-course chemoradiotherapy. The patients were followed up for a median of 50 (range: 24-144) months. There was no recurrence (local or distal). Incontinence was evaluated using the Cleveland Clinic Florida Fecal Incontinence (CCF-FI) scoring system. Quality of life (QoL) was evaluated using the Fecal Incontinence Quality of Life (FIQL) questionnaire. SNS was performed in three stages. RESULTS: During percutaneous nerve evaluation (PNE), a good response was observed in seven patients, all of whom received a permanent implant. The median follow up was 12 (range: 1-44) months. The mean CCF-FI score was reduced from 19.2 [standard deviation (SD) 1.2] to 6.2 (SD 1.7) (P < 0.01). The mean number of days per week with an incontinent episode decreased from 7 (SD 0) to 0.2 (SD 0.3) (P < 0.01), and the mean number of defaecations per week decreased from 42.5 (SD 13.7) to 13.2 (SD 7.4) (P < 0.01). In the five patients with a permanent implant who were followed up for longer than 6 months, all FIQL scores improved. An increase in the mean resting and squeeze pressures was seen in four patients with a permanent implant. CONCLUSIONS: SNS is a treatment option for faecal incontinence after LAR for rectal cancer.

Randomized clinical trial of anal fistula plug versus endorectal advancement flap for the treatment of high cryptoglandular fistula in ano.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this randomized study was to compare the results of anal fistula plug and endorectal advancement flap in the treatment of high fistula in ano of cryptoglandular origin. METHODS: Consecutive patients with high trans-sphincteric fistula in ano of cryptoglandular aetiology were randomized to treatment with either an anal fistula plug or endorectal advancement flap. Patients agreed to participate in a follow-up programme, which included scheduled visits at 2, 4, 8, 12 and 24 weeks and at 1 year after surgery. The primary endpoint was effectiveness in fistula healing. Recurrence was defined as the presence of an abscess arising in the same area, or obvious evidence of fistulation. RESULTS: A large number of recurrences in the fistula plug group led to premature closure of the trial. After 1 year, fistula recurrence was noted in 12 of 15 patients treated with an anal fistula plug compared with two of 16 treated with an endorectal advancement flap (relative risk 6.40 (95 per cent confidence interval 1.70 to 23.97); P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Contrary to other published studies, an anal fistula plug was associated with a low rate of fistula healing, particularly in patients with a history of fistula surgery.

Comparative study to determine the need for intraoperative colonic irrigation for primary anastomosis in left-sided colonic emergencies.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the outcome of resection and primary anastomoses in patients undergoing emergency surgery of the left colon with and without intraoperative colonic irrigation. METHOD: From January 2004 to December 2006, 102 consecutive patients with acute occlusion or perforation of the left colon were operated on an emergency basis in two Coloproctology units. According to the sample size calculation, 61 patients from one unit underwent surgery with intraoperative colonic irrigation, whereas 41 patients from the second unit underwent surgery without intraoperative colonic irrigation. The endpoints were mortality and morbidity. RESULTS: Thirty (49.2%) patients with intraoperative colonic irrigation and 8 (19.5%) without colonic irrigation developed one or more complications postoperatively (odds ratio 4.0, 95% CI 1.6-10.0, P = 0.002). An increased number of wound infections was seen in the group managed with colonic irrigation 15 vs 3 (P = 0.034). The postoperative mortality rate and the occurrence of dehiscence of the anastomoses were similar in both study groups. CONCLUSION: The present findings indicate that resection and primary anastomosis in patients undergoing emergency surgery of the left colon can be safely performed without intraoperative colonic irrigation.

Length of follow-up after fistulotomy and fistulectomy associated with endorectal advancement flap repair for fistula in ano.

BACKGROUND: The length of follow-up required after surgical repair of cryptoglandular fistula in ano has not been established. This prospective study determined the follow-up time needed to establish that an anal fistula has been cured after elective fistulotomy or fistulectomy associated with endorectal advancement flap (ERAF) repair. METHODS: Between January 2001 and June 2004, consecutive patients with anal fistula of cryptoglandular aetiology were included provided that they lived within the catchment area of the hospital and agreed to participate in a follow-up programme, which comprised scheduled visits every month until complete wound healing and annually thereafter. RESULTS: Some 206 of 219 eligible patients were evaluable; fistulotomy was performed in 115 and ERAF repair in 91. Median follow-up was 42 (range 24-65) months. Eighteen patients had recurrence of the fistula during follow-up, with a median time to relapse of 5.0 (range 1.0-11.7) months. There were no recurrences after 1 year. CONCLUSION: Recurrence of fistula in ano of cryptoglandular origin treated by means of fistulotomy or ERAF repair occurs within the first year of operation.

Simultaneous presentation of oesophageal and renal cancer.

Oesophageal cancer has been documented to be often associated with other primary tumours. However, concurrent oesophageal and renal cell carcinoma is extremely uncommon. We report a case of synchronous oesophageal and kidney cancer that was successfully treated at our hospital by a one-stage surgical procedure. The patient is doing well and without recurrence 54 months after the operation.

[Treatment of perianal Crohn's disease]. / Tratamiento de la enfermedad de Crohn perianal.

Perianal affectation due to Crohn's disease includes a wide spectrum of lesions involving different management and prognosis. A thorough exploration of the patient, under anaesthetic if necessary, a rectoscope to evaluate the possible affectation of the rectum by the disease, and on occasions evaluation through endoanal echography or magnetic resonance, are the bases for a correct diagnostic and therapeutic focus. Pharmacology and surgery must be complementary in the treatment of perianal Crohn's disease and must pursue a double aim: to alleviate the symptomology of the patient and prevent possible complications. Except in situations of emergency due to perianal sepsis, medical treatment is the first step in managing perianal Crohn's disease, and on many occasions it will control the disease, making surgery unnecessary. When surgery is required, with the aim of a definitive treatment of the perianal lesion, the risk of developing complications, especially incontinence, must be contrasted.

[Should hernia operations be carried out on elderly patients? ]. / Se debe operar de hernia a los pacientes mayores?

BACKGROUND: To evaluate whether treatment of the inguinal hernia in patients over 70 years has different connotations with respect to patients of a lower age. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Prospective study of 299 patients who had undergone intervention for an uncomplicated unilateral inguinal hernia during the year 2002. Group 1 included 90 patients with an age equal to, or higher than 70 years, and group 2 included the 209 patients who did not exceed this age. The variables studied in the two groups of patients were: type of hernia following the classification of Gilbert - Rutkow-Robbins, percentage of first cases-relapses, technique of repair, type of anaesthesia employed in the intervention, index of substitution in outpatient major surgery and post-operational complications. RESULTS: The two groups were similar with regard to type of hernia, surgical techniques of repair employed and type of anaesthesia employed in the intervention. In spite of the significantly greater anaesthetic risk in the group of patients of greater age (54.4% vs. 7.6% of patients ASA III; p<0.0005), significant differences were not registered between the two groups, either in the index of substitution in out-patient major surgery (80.0% vs. 81.8%) or in the development of complications (3.3% vs. 1.4%). CONCLUSION: Age is not a factor that alters the good results of the elective inguinal hernioplasty. We would thus not advise against this intervention in elderly patients.

Impact of surgical procedure for gastric cancer on quality of life.

BACKGROUND: The aim was to assess quality of life in a group of patients who had a curative resection for gastric cancer. METHODS: The European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer QLQ-C30 questionnaire with a gastric cancer-specific module was used in patients who had undergone R0 gastrectomy between 1992 and 1999, and who had no disease at the last check-up. A response was obtained from 54 patients, 36 men and 18 women, of mean age 67 years. Of these, 24 patients had total gastrectomy and 26 D2 lymphadenectomy. RESULTS: Significant differences were found only in the social domain of quality of life in patients aged over 70 years (P = 0.036); there was no impact of operation type on overall quality of life. CONCLUSION: The quality of life of patients undergoing curative surgery for gastric cancer, regardless of age, was not significantly influenced by the type of gastrectomy, or whether lymphadenectomy was performed.

The value of D1 lymphadenectomy as prognostic marker in gastric cancer.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: To assess if the study on the involvement of perigastric lymph nodes, the only ones resected in D1 lymphadenectomy, is a valid prognostic marker in patients undergoing curative resection for gastric cancer. METHODOLOGY: A retrospective study was performed in 101 patients with gastric cancer, 34 women and 67 men, with a mean age of 61 years, undergoing curative resection by gastrectomy and D1 lymphadenectomy. Tumor size, the depth of tumoral invasion of the wall, nodal involvement and 5-year survival were assessed. RESULTS: Both tumor size and the depth of tumoral invasion of the wall were significantly related to metastatic involvement of perigastric lymph nodes. Similarly, tumoral involvement of the first-level lymph nodes was significantly associated with survival. CONCLUSIONS: D1 lymphadenectomy can provide adequate prognostic information in patients with gastric cancer undergoing curative resection.

Congenital esophageal cysts--two cases in adult patients.

Esophageal cysts are a rare clinicopathological condition. They usually cause respiratory symptoms in children, while they are often asymptomatic in adults. Two cases of esophageal cysts in adults, recently diagnosed and treated in our department, are reported. In the 1st case (a 52 year-old woman) dysphagia was the main symptom. In the 2nd one (a 39 year-old woman) the patient was asymptomatic. Both were surgically excised by enucleation, with no post-operative complications. The histological study showed both cysts to be lined with ciliated cylindrical epithelium, and they were therefore considered to be congenital. Smooth muscle was only seen in the cyst wall in the 2nd case, but it was not organized in 2 layers, as is typical of duplication cysts. Cartilage or respiratory glands, the pathognomonic features of bronchogenic cysts, were not identified in either of them. Therefore, the diagnosis was inclusion cysts in both cases.

Albendazole plus praziquantel versus albendazole alone as a pre-operative treatment in intra-abdominal hydatisosis caused by Echinococcus granulosus.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effects of a combined medication of albendazole (10 mg/kg/day) plus praziquantel (25 mg/kg/day) to those of albendazole alone at different doses (10 and 20 mg/kg/day). METHOD: The protoscoleces' viability was studied in a consecutive series of patients affected by intra-abdominal hydatidosis caused by Echinococcus granulosus. In all cases the drugs were given during the month prior to surgery. RESULTS: A significant increase of patients with nonviable protoscoleces was observed in the group treated with the scolicides combination compared to those treated with albendazole alone, both at a dose of 10 mg/kg/day (P = 0.004) and at a dose of 20 mg/kg/day (P = 0.03). Albendazole sulphoxide levels in serum and in cyst fluid were higher in patients given the combined therapy than in those who received only albendazole (10 mg/kg/day: P = 0.016; 20 mg/kg/day: P = 0.034). Levels in the cysts were not significantly different probably due to the sample size; nevertheless a lineal relation between the values obtained in serum and inside the cysts could be discerned in the patients treated with the combined medication. CONCLUSION: Albendazole plus praziquantel is more effective than monotherapy with albendazole in the preoperative treatment of intra-abdominal hydatidosis.