Minimally Invasive Pilonidal Sinus Treatment: EPSIT Versus PEBAI Method.

PURPOSE: We aimed to compare endoscopic pilonidal sinus treatment (EPSIT) and pit/sinus punch needle excision, brushing, ablation and irrigation (PEBAI) method that was performed with principles similar to EPSIT but without fistuloscope and vision in the treatment of pilonidal sinus disease (PSD). METHODS: Patients who underwent EPSIT and PEBAI methods for PSD in a single center between January 2020 and October 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. The primary endpoint was healing, the secondary endpoints were operative time, pain, wound closure, quality of life, cosmetic results, and cost. RESULTS: One hundred 4 patients who underwent EPSIT and 184 patients who underwent PEBAI were included in the study. Age ( P =0.871), sex ( P =0.669), BMI ( P =0.176), number of pits ( P =0.99) were similar in both groups. The operative time for PEBAI [20 min (18 to 32)] was shorter than EPSIT [32 min (24 to 44)] ( P <0.0000, u value=3096, z-score=-9.459). Postoperative first ( P =0.147) and 14th day( P =0.382) pain scores, postoperative analgesic requirements ( P =0.609), time to return to daily activities ( P =0.747), time to return to work ( P =0.345), and wound complications ( P =0.816) were similar, whereas the wound closure time was earlier after EPSIT [32 d (24 to 41)] than after PEBAI [37 d (26 to 58)] ( P <0.00001, u value=5344, z-score=6.22141). The median follow-up was 24 (12 to 34) months. Complete wound healing ( P =0.382), recurrence rate ( P =0.533), quality of life at first month and (Wound evaluation scale score at first year ( P =0.252) were similar in both groups. However, the cost of PEBAI [54.8 € (50.13 to 64.96)] was significantly lower than cost of EPSIT [147.36 € (132.53 to 169.60)] ( P <0.00001, u value=0, z-score=7.210). CONCLUSIONS: PEBAI method is a cheaper alternative to EPSIT with similar surgical principles and clinical outcomes.

Management and Morbidity of Major Pelvic Hemorrhage in Complex Abdominopelvic Surgery.

INTRODUCTION: Hemorrhage is a challenging complication of pelvic surgery. This study aimed to analyze the causes, management, and factors associated with morbidity in patients experiencing major pelvic hemorrhage during complex abdominopelvic surgery. METHODS: Patients who had major intraoperative pelvic hemorrhage during complex abdominopelvic surgery at 11 tertiary referral centers between 1997 and 2017 were included. Patient characteristics, management strategies to control bleeding, short- and long-term postoperative outcomes were evaluated retrospectively. RESULTS: There were 120 patients with a mean age of 56.6 ± 2.4 years and a mean BMI of 28.3 ± 1 kg/m2. While 104 (95%) of the patients were operated for malignancy, 16 (5%) of the patients had surgery for a benign disease. The most common bleeding site was the presacral venous plexus 90 (75%). Major pelvic hemorrhage was managed simultaneously in 114 (95%) patients. Electrocauterization 27 (23%), pelvic packing 26 (22%), suturing 7 (6%), thumbtacks application 7 (6%), muscle welding 4 (4%), use of energy devices 2 (2%), and topical hemostatic agents 2 (2%) were the management tools. Combined techniques were used in 43 (36%) patients. Short-term morbidity and mortality rates were 48 (40%) and 2 (2%), respectively. High preoperative CRP levels (p = 0.04), history of preoperative radiotherapy (p = 0.04), longer bleeding time (p = 0.006), and increased blood transfusion (p = 0.005) were the factors associated with postoperative morbidity. CONCLUSION: Postoperative morbidity related to major pelvic hemorrhage can be reduced by optimizing the risk factors. Prehabilitation prior to surgery to moderate inflammatory status and prompt action with proper technique to control major pelvic hemorrhage can prevent excessive blood loss in complex abdominopelvic surgery.

Factors affecting operative morbidity and long-term outcomes in patients undergoing surgery for presacral tumours: a multicentric cohort study from the Turkish Collaborative Group for Quality Improvement in Colorectal and Pelvic Surgery.

AIM: Data regarding the operative management of presacral tumours present various dilemmas due to their rarity and heterogeneous nature. The aim of this study was to evaluate the management strategy, factors associated with operative morbidity and long-term postoperative outcomes in a large group of patients undergoing surgery for presacral tumours. METHOD: This study was designed as a multicentre retrospective cohort study. Records of patients who underwent surgery for presacral tumours at 10 tertiary colorectal centres between 1996 and 2017 were evaluated. RESULTS: One hundred and twenty seven patients (44 men) with a mean age of 46 years and body mass index of 27 kg/m2 were included. Fifty eight per cent of the patients had low sacral lesions (below S3). The operative approaches were transabdominal (17%), transsacral (65%) and abdominosacral (17%). The postoperative morbidity was 19%. Thirty per cent of the patients had a malignant tumour. Longer duration of symptoms (p = 0.001), higher American Society of Anesthesiologists score (p = 0.01), abdominosacral operations (p = 0.0001) and presacral tumours located above S3 (p = 0.004) were associated with an increased risk of postoperative morbidity. Overall long-term postoperative recurrence and mortality were 6% and 5%, respectively, within a 3-year mean follow-up period in patients with presacral malignant tumours. CONCLUSION: Reduced physical condition, omission of symptoms prior to surgery, combined resections and high sacral tumours are the risk factors associated with postoperative complications in patients undergoing surgery for presacral tumours. Meticulous planning of the operation and intensified perioperative care may improve the outcomes in high-risk patients.

Short-Course Radiotherapy Followed by Consolidation Chemotherapy Is Safe and Effective in Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer: Comparative Short-term Results of Multicenter Propensity Score Case-Matched Study.

BACKGROUND: Consolidation chemotherapy strategies have demonstrated improved pathological complete response and tumor downstaging rates for patients diagnosed with rectal cancer. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to compare perioperative outcomes and pathological complete response rates among different neoadjuvant treatment strategies in patients undergoing total mesorectal excision for locally advanced rectal cancer. DESIGN: Propensity score case-matched study. SETTING: High-volume tertiary care centers. PATIENTS: Consecutive patients undergoing curative total mesorectal excision between January 2014 and June 2021 were queried. INTERVENTIONS: Patients were divided into 3 groups: long-course chemoradiation therapy with (N = 128) or without (N = 164) consolidation chemotherapy or short-course radiotherapy (N = 53) followed by consolidation chemotherapy. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Demographics, preoperative tumor characteristics, histopathologic outcomes, and postoperative complication rates were reviewed and compared. Propensity score match analysis was conducted. RESULTS: A total of 345 patients (mean age: 58 ± 12 years; female: 36%) met the study inclusion criteria. Time interval from neoadjuvant treatment until surgery was longer for patients receiving consolidation chemotherapy ( p < 0.001). Pathological complete response rates were comparable among patients receiving long-course chemoradiation therapy (20.3%) and short-course radiotherapy with consolidation chemotherapy (20.8%) compared to long-course chemoradiation therapy alone (14.6%) ( p = 0.36). After the propensity score case-matched analysis, 48 patients in the long-course chemoradiation therapy with consolidation chemotherapy group were matched to 48 patients in the short-course radiotherapy with consolidation chemotherapy group. Groups were comparable with respect to age, sex, clinical stage, tumor location, type of surgical approach, and technique. Pathological complete response rate was comparable between the groups (20.8% and 18.8%, p = 0.99). LIMITATIONS: Study was limited by its retrospective nature. CONCLUSIONS: Among recent neoadjuvant treatment modalities, pathological complete response rates, and short-term clinical outcomes were comparable. Short-course radiotherapy with consolidation chemotherapy is safe and effective as long-course chemoradiation therapy as in a short-term period. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/C174 . LA RADIOTERAPIA DE CORTA DURACIN SEGUIDA DE QUIMIOTERAPIA DE CONSOLIDACIN ES SEGURA Y EFICAZ EN EL CNCER DE RECTO LOCALMENTE AVANZADO RESULTADOS COMPARATIVOS A CORTO PLAZO DEL ESTUDIO MULTICNTRICO DE CASOS EMPAREJADOS POR PUNTAJE DE PROPENSION: ANTECEDENTES: Las estrategias de quimioterapia de consolidación han demostrado una mejor respuesta patológica completa y tasas de reducción del estadio del tumor para pacientes diagnosticados con cáncer de recto.OBJETIVO: Comparar los resultados perioperatorios y las tasas de respuesta patológica completa entre diferentes estrategias de tratamiento neoadyuvante en pacientes sometidos a escisión mesorrectal total por cáncer de recto localmente avanzado.DISEÑO: Estudio de casos emparejados por puntaje de propensión.ENTORNO CLINICO: Centros de atención terciaria de alto volumen.PACIENTES: Pacientes consecutivos sometidos a escisión mesorrectal total curativa por cáncer de recto localmente avanzado entre enero de 2014 y junio de 2021.INTERVENCIONES: Los pacientes se dividieron en tres grupos según la modalidad de tratamiento neoadyuvante: quimiorradioterapia de ciclo largo con (N = 128) o sin (N = 164) quimioterapia de consolidación o radioterapia de ciclo corto (N = 53) seguida de quimioterapia de consolidación.PRINCIPALES MEDIDAS DE RESULTADO: El punto final primario fue la respuesta patológica completa. Se revisaron y compararon los datos demográficos, las características preoperatorias del tumor, los resultados histopatológicos y las tasas de complicaciones posoperatorias entre los grupos de estudio. Se realizó un análisis de casos emparejados por puntaje de propensión.RESULTADOS: Un total de 345 pacientes (edad media de 58 ± 12 años y mujeres: 36%) cumplieron los criterios de inclusión del estudio. El intervalo de tiempo desde el tratamiento neoadyuvante hasta la cirugía fue mayor para los pacientes que recibieron quimioterapia de consolidación ( p < 0,001). Las tasas de respuesta patológica completa fueron comparables entre los pacientes que recibieron quimiorradioterapia de larga duración con quimioterapia de consolidación (20,3 %) y radioterapia de corta duración con quimioterapia de consolidación (20,8%) en comparación con la quimiorradiación de larga duración sola (14,6%) ( p = 0,36). Después del análisis de casos emparejados por puntaje de propensión, 48 pacientes en el grupo de quimiorradioterapia de ciclo largo con quimioterapia de consolidación se emparejaron con 48 pacientes en el grupo de radioterapia de ciclo corto con quimioterapia de consolidación. Los grupos fueron comparables con respecto a la edad, sexo, estadio clínico, ubicación del tumor, tipo de abordaje quirúrgico y la técnica. La tasa de respuesta patológica completa fue comparable entre los grupos (20,8% y 18,8%, p = 0,99). La morbilidad postoperatoria a los 30 días y las tasas de fuga anastomótica fueron similares.LIMITACIONES: El estudio estuvo limitado por su naturaleza retrospectiva.CONCLUSIONES: Entre las modalidades de tratamiento neoadyuvante recientes, las tasas de respuesta patológica completa y los resultados clínicos a corto plazo fueron comparables. La radioterapia de corta duración con quimioterapia de consolidación es segura y eficaz como terapia de quimiorradioterapia de larga duración en un período corto. Consulte Video Resumen en http://links.lww.com/DCR/C174 . (Traducción-Dr. Fidel Ruiz Healy ).

Early-stage colon cancer with high MALAT1 expression is associated with the 5-Fluorouracil resistance and future metastasis.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to investigate the role of long noncoding RNA (LncRNA) expression profiles to predict relapse and 5-FU response in patients with stage I/II colon cancer (CC). METHODS AND RESULTS: The expression level of 15 LncRNA was analyzed in stage I/II colon tumors of 126 CC patients. To confirm the findings in-vitro, 5FU-resistant HT29 cells were generated by subjecting HT-29 cells to the increasing concentrations of 5FU for 6 months. The 5FU resistance was observed in WST-1 and Annexin V analyses. The colony formation and wound healing assays were assessed to determine the metastatic properties of the cells. Expression levels of LncRNAs and mRNA of EMT-related genes were determined by RT-PCR. The role of LncRNA on metastasis and 5FU sensitivity were confirmed in pcDNA3.0-PTENP1 and si-MALAT1 expressed 5FU-resistant HT29 cell lineages. RESULTS: High MALAT1 (p = 0.0002) and low PTENP1 (p = 0.0044) expressions were significantly associated with 5-FU resistance and tumor relapse in stage I/II CC. The invasiveness and colony-forming characteristics of 5-FU-resistant cell lineages were higher as compared to the parent HT-29. Moreover, the expression of MALAT1 (p = 0.0009) was increased while the expression of PTENP1 (p = 0.0158) decreased in 5FU-resistant-HT-29 cells. Si-MALAT1 treatment increased cell sensitivity to 5FU, whereas it decreased invasive behaviors of 5 FU-resistant-HT-29 cells. CONCLUSION: MALAT1 may be a biomarker in predicting recurrence in early-stage CC. Our findings suggest that a cell-based therapy to target MALAT1 could be established for these patients to prevent metastasis and 5-FU resistance.

An international multi-institutional analysis of operative morbidity in patients undergoing elective diverticulitis surgery.

OBJECTIVE: We investigated surgical complications of elective surgery for diverticulitis in international multi-institution to identify a prediction model for potential opportunities of quality improvement. METHODS: We identified 1225 patients who underwent elective surgery for diverticulitis between January 2010 and January 2018. The data were obtained from the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program and the Turkish Diverticulitis Study Group Collaborative, retrospectively. RESULTS: We observed that the presence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (OR: 3.2, 95%CI 1.8-5.9, p<0.001) or abscess at the time of surgery (OR: 1.4, 95%CI 1.2-1.7, p£0.001) is associated with a higher rate of minor complications, while comorbidities such as dyspnea (OR: 2.8, 95%CI 1.6-4.9, p£0.001) and preoperative sepsis (OR: 4.1, 95%CI 2.3-7.3, p£0.001) are associated with major complications. The centers had similar findings in minor and major complications (OR: 0.8, 95%CI 0.5-1.4, p=0.395). The major independent predictors for complications were malnutrition (low albumin) (OR: 0.5, 95%CI 0.4-0.6, p<0.001) and the American Society of Anesthesiology score (OR: 1.7, 95%CI 1.2-2.4, p=0.002). CONCLUSION: Regarding the major and minor complications of diverticulitis of elective surgery, the malnutrition and higher American Society of Anesthesiology score showed higher impact among the quality improvement initiatives.

An international multi-institutional analysis of operative morbidity in patients undergoing elective diverticulitis surgery

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: We investigated surgical complications of elective surgery for diverticulitis in international multi-institution to identify a prediction model for potential opportunities of quality improvement. METHODS: We identified 1225 patients who underwent elective surgery for diverticulitis between January 2010 and January 2018. The data were obtained from the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program and the Turkish Diverticulitis Study Group Collaborative, retrospectively. RESULTS: We observed that the presence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (OR: 3.2, 95%CI 1.8-5.9, p<0.001) or abscess at the time of surgery (OR: 1.4, 95%CI 1.2-1.7, p£0.001) is associated with a higher rate of minor complications, while comorbidities such as dyspnea (OR: 2.8, 95%CI 1.6-4.9, p£0.001) and preoperative sepsis (OR: 4.1, 95%CI 2.3-7.3, p£0.001) are associated with major complications. The centers had similar findings in minor and major complications (OR: 0.8, 95%CI 0.5-1.4, p=0.395). The major independent predictors for complications were malnutrition (low albumin) (OR: 0.5, 95%CI 0.4-0.6, p<0.001) and the American Society of Anesthesiology score (OR: 1.7, 95%CI 1.2-2.4, p=0.002). CONCLUSION: Regarding the major and minor complications of diverticulitis of elective surgery, the malnutrition and higher American Society of Anesthesiology score showed higher impact among the quality improvement initiatives.

Endoscopic pilonidal sinus treatment vs. laser-assisted endoscopic pilonidal sinus treatment: short-term results from a retrospective case-matched study.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to investigate whether the addition of laser to the endoscopic pilonidal sinus treatment (EPSIT), laser-assisted EPSIT (LEPSIT) has an effect on the method and clinical results in the treatment of pilonidal sinus disease (PSD). METHODS: Between September 2019 and September 2020, patients who underwent LEPSIT and EPSIT procedures for PSD at Bursa Medicana Hospital, Turkey, were matched for age, pit location and number, body mass index (BMI), and sex. The primary endpoint was complete wound healing and the secondary endpoints were quality of life, cosmetic results, and cost. RESULTS: Twenty-four LEPSIT patients were matched to 72 EPSIT patients. Eighty-one (84.4%) of the included patients were male, and the median age was 26 years (range 16-52 years). The median follow-up time was 9 months (range 3-15 months).Wound healing rates (LEPSIT; 95.8% vs. EPSIT; 93%; p = 0.99) were similar in both groups. In patients who underwent LEPSIT, the operative time (p = 0.00086) was significantly shorter, time taken to return to work (p = 0.03572) and wound closure (p < 0.00001) were significantly less. However, the time taken to return to daily activities and the percentage of wound complications were similar in both groups. The pain scores on postoperative -days 1 7, and 14 were significantly higher after EPSIT (p = 0.0083, p = 0.00054, and p = 0.0479, respectively). The postoperative analgesic requirement was significantly higher after EPSIT (p = 0.01492). The total hospital cost was significantly less in patients who underwent EPSIT (p < 0.00001). Significantly better cosmetic improvement was observed in LEPSIT procedure (p = 0.00694). First month quality of life (evaluated with the Short Form 36 Health Survey Questionnaire) was similar except for bodily pain (better after LEPSIT). CONCLUSIONS: The success rates of LEPSIT and EPSIT are similar. LEPSIT results in better wound healing and patient comfort, and a shorter time to return to work.

Endoscopic Pilonidal Sinus Treatment: Rapid Recovery, Satisfactory Success, and High Quality of Life.

PURPOSE: In the treatment of pilonidal sinus disease (PD), endoscopic pilonidal sinus treatment (EPSIT), a skin-sparing minimally invasive technique, has attracted attention as an effective treatment. The aim of this study to evaluate the treatment success, cosmetic outcomes, and the quality of life in the patients who underwent an EPSIT for PD. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The prospectively maintained data of 86 patients who underwent EPSIT for PD were retrospectively analyzed. The primary end-point of this study was complete wound healing, while the secondary end-points were the quality of life and cosmetic outcomes. RESULTS: Seventy-two (83.7%) patients were male, and the median age was 28 (16 to 52). The median operative time was 32 (24 to 44) minutes, the median time to return to daily activities was 1 (1 to 4) day, and the median time to return to work was 3 (1 to 11) days. Fifty-two patients (60.4%) required no analgesics. No wound complication was observed. The median follow-up period was 12 (3 to 23) months. The complete wound healing rate was 94.2%, incomplete wound healing rate was 4.6% and the recurrence rate was 1.2%. Treatment failure was observed in 5 of the 6 patients with >3 pits located in the midline. The first-year median Wound evaluation scale score was 0 (0 to 4). The quality of life [physical function, physical role difficulty, pain, general health perception, energy/vitality, social functioning, emotional role, and mental health (P<0.0001)] significantly increased from preoperative levels a month after the EPSIT procedure. CONCLUSION: EPSIT, a minimally invasive treatment modality for the treatment of sacrococcygeal PD, is an effective treatment that does not hamper the daily life of the patients, presents high success rates, and has satisfactory cosmetic outcomes.

DPYD c.1905 + 1G>A Promotes Fluoropyrimidine-Induced Anemia, a Prognostic Factor in Disease-Free Survival, in Colorectal Cancer.

Background and Aim: In 10-30% of colorectal cancer (CRC) patients, toxic reactions occur after fluoropyrimidine-based chemotherapy. A dihydropyridine dehydrogenase (DPYD) gene variant, c.1905 + 1G>A, leads to intolerance to fluoropyrimidines. Due to the low frequency of this variant in many populations, the prevalence of fluoropyrimidine-induced hematologic side effects in CRC patients with the c.1905 + 1G>A variant is unclear. In this study, we investigated the prevalence of the DPYD c.1905 + 1 variants in a Turkish CRC cohort and the potential effects of these variants on fluoropyrimidine-induced hematologic side effects. Materials and Methods: The DPYD c.1905 + 1 variant was genotyped using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis and confirmed by Sanger sequencing in peripheral blood samples of 100 CRC patients who received fluoropyrimidine-based chemotherapy and 60 healthy volunteers. The association of c.1905 + 1 variants with susceptibility to hematologic side effects was evaluated. Results: The DPYD c.1905 + 1G>A variant was more common in the CRC group than in the healthy control group (p = 0.001). The presence of the c.1905 + 1G>A variant was associated with thrombocytopenia (p = 0.039) and anemia (p = 0.035). CRC patients with fluoropyrimidine-induced anemia had shorter disease-free survival than CRC patients without fluoropyrimidine-induced anemia (p = 0.0009). Conclusions: Before administering fluoropyrimidine-based chemotherapy, genetic screening for the DPYD c.1905 + 1G>A variant should be performed with the aim of preventing anemia and anemia-induced complications in CRC patients.

Long-term Outcomes of Laser Ablation of Fistula Tract for Fistula-in-Ano: A Considerable Option in Sphincter Preservation.

BACKGROUND: Ablation of anal fistula tract using a radial laser-emitting probe is a sphincter-preserving technique. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to assess long-term outcomes of laser ablation of fistula tract. DESIGN: This was a retrospective analysis of the long-term outcomes of 100 patients who underwent laser ablation of fistula tract. SETTINGS: This was a single-center study from a tertiary center in Turkey. PATIENTS: All of the patients with fistula-in-ano were included. Exclusion criteria were the presence of perianal abscess, underlying Crohn's disease, fistula tract <2 cm, fistulas suitable for simple fistulotomy, and intersphincteric fistulas originated from posterior located chronic anal fissure. INTERVENTIONS: A probe housing a 15-watt laser emitting at a wavelength of 1470 nm and an energy level of 100 to 120 joule/cm was used. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: No discharge, no symptoms, and fibrotic scar on skin where previously an external opening was present were defined as overall complete healing. All results other than overall complete healing were accepted as failure. RESULTS: A total of 100 patients underwent laser ablation of fistula tract with a median age of 42 years (range, 21-83 y). The majority of them were men. The overall success rate was 62% (95% CI, 52%-71%) in a median follow-up time of 48 months (range, 6-56 mo). None of the patients experienced permanent major or minor anal incontinence. LIMITATIONS: The retrospective nature of this study is its main limitation. Other limitations consist of phone interview for follow-up of the majority of the patients, single-institution data, and the relatively small number of patients. CONCLUSIONS: Laser ablation of the fistula tract is a sphincter-preserving procedure with an acceptable long-term success rate. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/B186. RESULTADOS A LARGO PLAZO DE LA ABLACIóN CON LáSER DEL TRACTO EN LA FíSTULA ANAL: UNA CONSIDERABLE OPCIóN EN LA PRESERVACIóN DEL ESFíNTER: La ablación con una sonda radial emisora de láser del tracto de fístula anal, es una técnica de preservación del esfínter.Evaluar los resultados a largo plazo de la ablación con láser del tracto fistuloso.Análisis retrospectivo de los resultados a largo plazo de 100 pacientes que se sometieron a la ablación con láser del tracto de fístula.Este es un estudio de centro único de un centro terciario en Turquía.Fueron incluidos todos pacientes con fístula anal. Los criterios de exclusión fueron la presencia de absceso perianal, enfermedad de Crohn subyacente, tracto de fístula menor de 2 cm, fístulas adecuadas para fistulotomía simple y fístulas interesfintéricas originadas en una fisura anal crónica posterior.Se utilizó una sonda que alberga un láser de 15 vatios que emite a una longitud de onda de 1,470 nm y un nivel de energía de 100-120 julios / cm.Sin secreción, sin síntomas y la cicatriz fibrótica en la piel, donde anteriormente estaba presente la apertura externa, se definió como "curación completa general." Todos los resultados que no sean "curación completa en general" se aceptaron como fracaso.Cien pacientes fueron sometidos a ablación con láser del tracto de fístula anal, con una edad media de 42 (21-83) años. La mayoría de ellos fueron varones. La tasa de éxito general fue del 62% (intervalo de confianza del 95%, 52%-71%) en una mediana de tiempo de seguimiento de 48 (6-56) meses. Ninguno de los pacientes experimentó incontinencia anal mayor o menor permanente.La naturaleza retrospectiva de este estudio es su principal limitación. Otras limitaciones consisten en una entrevista telefónica para el seguimiento de la mayoría de los pacientes, datos de una sola institución y un número relativamente pequeño de pacientes.La ablación con láser del tracto de la fístula anal, es un procedimiento de preservación del esfínter y con una aceptable tasa de éxito a largo plazo. Consulte Video Resumen en http://links.lww.com/DCR/B186. (Traducción-Dr Fidel Ruiz Healy).

Fall of another myth for colon cancer: Duration of symptoms does not differ between right- or left-sided colon cancers.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Patients with colorectal cancer continue to present with relatively advanced tumors that are associated with poor oncological outcomes. The aim of the present study was to assess the association between localization, symptom duration, and tumor stage. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective, multicenter cohort study was conducted on patients newly diagnosed with a histologically proven colorectal adenocarcinoma. Standardized questionnaire-interviews were performed. Data were collected on principal presenting symptoms, duration of symptoms (time to first presentation to a doctor and time to diagnosis) and treatment, diagnostic procedures, tumor site, and stage of the tumor (tumor, node, and metastasis (TNM)). RESULTS: A total of 1795 patients with colorectal cancer were interviewed (mean age: 60.76±13.50 years, male patients: 1057, patients aged >50 years: 1444, colon/rectal cancer: 899/850, right side/left side: 383/1250, stage 0-1-2/stage 3-4: 746/923). No statistically significant correlations were found between duration of symptoms and either tumor site or stage. Principal presenting symptoms were significantly associated with left colon cancer. Patients who had "anemia," "change in bowel habits," "anal pruritus or discharge," "weight loss," and "tumor in right colon" had a significantly longer symptom time. CONCLUSION: Symptom duration is not associated with localization, nor is the tumor stage. Diagnosis of colorectal cancer at an earlier stage may be best achieved by screening of the population.

Effect of chitosan coating on surgical sutures to strengthen the colonic anastomosis.

BACKGROUND: We evaluated the feasibility of chitosan-coated sutures for intestinal anastomosis strength through wound-healing effect. METHODS: Vicryl and PDS sutures were coated with 2% chitosan. While laparotomy was applied to the first group, chitosan was applied in the peritoneal cavity in the second group. Then the following materials were applied to colon anastomosis, in order: Vicryl, PDS, chitosan-coated Vicryl, and chitosan-coated PDS sutures. On the 7th and 14th days, eight rats from each group were euthanized. RESULTS: The adhesion scores of chitosan and control groups were lower than the suture groups. The vascularization of Vicryl-chitosan was lower than PDS-chitosan on the 14th day (p=0.038). Fibroblast cells and vascularization of anastomosis with chitosan-coated Vicryl were lower than Vicryl and chitosan-coated PDS on the 14th day (p<0.05). The tensile strength of Vicryl-chitosan increased more than Vicryl in vitro (p<0.05) on the 14th and 7th days, but there was no difference in vivo. The tensile strength of PDS-chitosan decreased more than PDS on the 7th day in vivo (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: The chitosan-coating effect on the adhesion and reinforcement of anastomosis in some parts of Vicryl in vitro and PDS in vivo was slightly improved.

Perforation of the small intestine caused by enteropathy-associated T cell lymphoma.

Enteropathy-associated T cell lymphoma is a rare lymphoma specific to the gastrointestinal system, arising from intraepithelial T lymphocytes, that is often associated with celiac disease. We report a 53-year-old female patient with no previous disease who presented with severe abdominal pain. Physical examination revealed diffuse abdominal tenderness and abdominal guarding and the patient underwent emergency surgery with a diagnosis of acute abdomen. During the operation, a 20-cm mass was found located on Treitz ligament, invading the duodenum and pancreatic head and perforating the jejunum. Histologically, medium-sized monomorphic atypical lymphocyte infiltration with dark nucleus and narrow cytoplasm was seen in the layers of mucosa, submucosa, muscular wall, and serosa of the duodenum. The final pathological diagnosis was "enteropathy-associated T cell lymphoma type 2" based on immunohistochemical and serological findings. Based on the World Health Organization 2008 criteria, enteropathy-associated T cell lymphoma has two subtypes. Type 1 enteropathy-associated T cell lymphoma is associated with celiac disease and has HLA DQ2 and HLA DQ8 genotype. Enteropathy-associated T cell lymphoma 2 enteropathy-associated T cell lymphoma seldom occurs and is not associated with celiac disease.

Colorectal cancer surgery in octogenarians.

OBJECTIVE: The incidence of colorectal cancer becomes higher among octogenarians as the life expectancy increases. Whether advanced age is a risk factor for colorectal surgery is a matter of debate. In the present study, the clinical results of octogenarians who underwent colorectal cancer surgery are discussed to find an answer to this question. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Data of 63 octogenarians who were operated in a tertiary colorectal surgery department between January 1, 2010 and December 31, 2013 were reviewed retrospectively. Demographic data and preoperative, peroperative, and postoperative parameters were evaluated. RESULTS: Overall, 57.2% of the patients were men. The median age was 81 (80-89) years. Cancer was located at the right colon in 17.5%, left colon in 50.8%, and rectum in 31.7%. Eleven patients underwent emergency surgery (17.5%). The most common surgical procedure was low anterior resection in elective (22.2%) and Hartmann's procedure in the emergency setting (9.5%). Stoma creation was more frequent among patients undergoing emergency procedures (42% vs. 6.8%; p=0.0018). Histopathological diagnosis was adenocarcinoma in 90.5% of the patients, and 34.9% of the patients had stage IIIB disease. Surgical morbidity was significantly higher among patients who underwent rectal resection (66% vs. 10.2%; p=0.0124). Medical morbidity was observed in 10 (15.9%) patients. Preoperative blood transfusion was a risk factor for morbidity (83.4% vs. 29.8%; p=0.0170). Length of total hospital stay was 14 (3-39) days. Surgical (p=0.0004) and medical (p=0.0288) morbidity prolonged the length of total hospital stay. The overall mortality rate was 1.6%. CONCLUSION: Colorectal surgery may be safely performed in octogenarians with acceptable morbidity and mortality in specialized centers.

Coexistence of gastric multiple neuroendocrine tumors with unusual morphological features and gastric signet-ring cell carcinoma.

The coexistence of signet-ring cell carcinoma and neuroendocrine tumors is very rare. We report a 57-year-old man who presented with a history of weight loss and nausea. Gastric mucosal biopsies obtained during gastrointestinal endoscopy revealed a gastric signet-ring cell carcinoma. The patient underwent a total gastrectomy with a standard D2 lymph node dissection. Ten individual tumors were detected in the resected specimen. Based on the histopathological and immunohistochemical findings, the final diagnosis was co-existing signet-ring cell carcinoma and neuroendocrine tumor. Spindle-shaped cells and extracytoplasmic mucin were noted in some tumor cells forming the neuroendocrine component. This case is a rare synchronous tumor because of its unusual neuroendocrine component.

Hand-assisted Laparoscopy: Expensive but Considerable Step Between Laparoscopic and Open Colectomy.

PURPOSE: Hand-assisted laparoscopic colectomy (HALC) and laparoscopic-assisted colectomy (LAC) have been shown to have comparable short-term outcomes while there are limited data regarding costs. The aim of our study was to compare the short-term outcomes and costs of HALC and LAC. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In total, 46 patients who underwent HALC or LAC for benign or malignant disease between January 2011 and December 2014 at our institution were included in the study. Patients were randomized into HALC or LAC group. Patients' demographics and characteristics, operative details, short-term outcomes, and costs were evaluated. RESULTS: There were 25 patients in LAC group and 21 patients in HALC group. Patient's demographics and characteristics and short-term outcomes were comparable between the LAC and HALC groups. Conversion rate was significantly lower in the HALC group (4.7% vs. 28%, P=0.03) while surgical costs ($1706.83±203.70 vs. $1304.93±305.67, P=0.038) and total costs ($2427.18±254.27 vs. $2044.03±215.22, P=0.021) were significantly higher in HALC group. CONCLUSIONS: HALC is associated with increased surgical and total hospital costs, and decreased rate of conversion. Although it is more expensive, HALC may be helpful by providing a step between LAC and open surgery before considering conversion.

Coexistence of MACC1 and NM23-H1 dysregulation and tumor budding promise early prognostic evidence for recurrence risk of early-stage colon cancer.

The tumor-node-metastasis (TNM) classification, the presence of a mucinous component, and signet ring cells are well-known criteria for identifying patients at a high risk for recurrence and determining the therapeutic approach for early-stage colon cancer (eCC). Nevertheless, recurrence can unexpectedly occur in some eCC cases after surgical resection. The aims of the present study were to evaluate the relation of dysregulated MACC1, c-MET, and NM23-H1 expression with the histopathological features of tumors in recurrence formation in eCC cases. A total of 100 sporadic eCC patients without poor prognosis factors were evaluated in this study. The relationship between the altered expression of MACC1, c-MET, and NM23-H1 and pathological microenvironmental features, including the presence of tumor budding and desmoplasia, were assessed. The primary outcomes, including 5-year overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS), were also measured. Compared with nonrecurrent patients, the expression level of MACC1 was 8.27-fold higher, and NM23-H1 was 11.36-fold lower in patients with recurrence during the 5-year follow-up (p = 0.0345 and p = 0.0301, respectively). In addition, the coexistence of high MACC1 and low NM23-H1 expression and tumor budding was associated with short OS (p < 0.001). We suggest that the combination of reduced NM23-H1, induced MACC1, and the presence of tumor budding are promising biomarkers for the prediction of recurrence and may aid the stratification of patients with stage II colon cancer for adjuvant chemotherapy.

Microbiological aspects of Fournier's gangrene.

BACKGROUND: Fournier's gangrene (FG) is a devastating disease that is characterized by necrotizing fasciitis of the perineal, genital, or perianal region. Broad-spectrum antibiotics are the key component of its treatment. However, there is paucity of data regarding the optimal empirical antibiotherapy for FG. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data from patients who underwent surgery for FG between January 2007 and December 2012 were retrieved from a prospectively collected departmental FG database. Demographics, clinical characteristics, causative pathogens and drug susceptibility/resistance were evaluated. RESULTS: Fifty patients with a median age of 58.5 (22-83) years were included. The perianal origin (58%) was most commonly affected. A positive growth was found in specimen cultures of 48 (96%) patients. The median number of bacterial strains that grew in the cultures was 3 (0-10). Amikacin was the antibiotic with the highest frequency of sensitivity (74%), while the highest resistance was observed against ampicillin-sulbactam (64%). Escherichia coli was the most common microorganism (72%). Acinetobacter baumannii and Klebsiella pneumonia were significantly more common in patients who required mechanical ventilation. The mortality rate was 26%. An Uludag Fournier's Gangrene Severity Index (UFGSI) score of >9.5 and ventilatory support requirement were factors associated with an increased rate of mortality. Acinetobacter baumannii was the only microorganism which was associated with an increased mortality rate. CONCLUSION: Causative pathogens in FG appeared to be shifting; thus, empirical antibiotic treatment for this disease should be modified. We recommend 3rd-generation cephalosporin, metronidazole and amikacin for empirical therapy.