Quality of life and functional outcomes after transanal total mesorectal excision for rectal cancer-results from the implementation period in Denmark.

BACKGROUND: The standard operation for mid- and low rectal cancer total mesorectal excision (TME) is routinely performed as minimally invasive surgery. TME is associated with temporary or permanent functional impairment of pelvic organs, causing reduced quality of life (QoL). Concerns have been raised that the newest minimally invasive approach, transanal TME (TaTME), may further reduce urogenital and anorectal functions. OBJECTIVE: To determine if functional outcomes affecting QoL are altered after TaTME. Primary end-point is the impact of TaTME on QoL and functional outcomes. Secondary end-point is assessing differences in QoL and functional outcomes after TME surgery from below (TaTME) or above (transabdominal TME). DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: Observational study consisting of prospectively registered self-reported questionnaire data collected at baseline and follow-ups after TaTME. All patients who underwent TaTME during the Danish national implementation phase were included. Central surveillance of the implementation included questionnaires concerning QoL and functional outcomes. Analyses of functional results from the Danish cohort of the ROLARR trial (Jayne et al. in JAMA 318:1569-1580, (2017) are reported separately for perspective, representing the transabdominal approach to TME, i.e., laparoscopic- or robotic-assisted TME (LaTME/RoTME). Applied questionnaires include EORTC QLQ-C30, SF-36, LARS, ICIQ-MLUTS, ICIQ-FLUTS, IPSS, IIEF, SVQ, and FSFI. RESULTS: A total of 115 TaTME procedures were registered August 2016 to April 2019. LaTME/RoTME patients (n = 92) were operated on January 2011 to September 2014. A temporary postoperative decrease of QoL (global health status and functional scales) was observed, yet long-term results were unaffected by surgery in both groups. In TaTME patients, the anorectal dysfunction increased significantly (p < 0.001) from preoperative baseline to 13.5 months follow-up, where 67.5% (n = 52) reported major LARS symptoms. Urinary function was not significantly impaired after TME regardless of technique. The paucity of responses concerning sexual function precludes conclusions. CONCLUSIONS: Although an initial reduction in QoL after TME occurs, it normalizes within the first year postoperatively. In concurrence with international results, we found that significant anorectal dysfunction is common after TaTME. No data on anorectal function was available for LaTME/RoTME patients for comparison. We found no indications that transanal TME is inferior to transabdominal TME surgery concerning urogenital functions or health-related QoL.

Transanal ileal pouch-anal anastomosis for ulcerative colitis: a single-center comparative study.

BACKGROUND: Ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) is the procedure of choice in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) requiring surgery. Advantages of laparoscopic IPAA (lap-IPAA) compared to open surgery have been investigated. However, laparoscopic dissection in the pelvis is still a challenge. A transanal approach provides better access to lower pelvis and avoids multiple staple firings, which could reduce the risk of anastomotic complications. The aim of this study was to compare short-term outcomes of transanal proctectomy with IPAA (ta-IPAA) with conventional lap-IPAA in patients with UC. METHODS: A single-center retrospective study was conducted on consecutive UC patients, treated at Copenhagen University Hospital, Hvidovre, undergoing either laparoscopic or transanal IPAA in the period between January 2013 and December 2020. Exclusion criteria were Crohn's disease, previous extensive abdominal surgery and impaired sphincter function. Primary outcomes were overall postoperative complications. Secondary outcomes were length of hospital stay and re-admissions. For comparison between ta-IPAA and lap-IPAA, the Mann-Whitney U test was used for continuous variables, and Chi-square and Fisher's exact test for categorical variables. RESULTS: A total of 65 patients with ta-IPAA (34 males, 31 females, median age 31 years [range 12-66 years]) and 70 patients with lap-IPAA (35 males, 35 females, median age 26 years [range 12-66 years]) were included. There was no difference between ta-IPAA and lap-IPAA regarding age, sex, body mass index or American Society of Anesthesiologists class. The primary colectomy procedure was performed laparoscopically in 95% of the ta-IPPA and 91% of the lap-IPAA patients (p = 0.493). The mean time between total colectomy and IPAA was 15 and 9 weeks for ta-IPAA and lap-IPAA, respectively (p = 0.048). A higher proportion of patients with ta-IPAA were treated with biologics preoperatively (98 vs. 82%; p = 0.002). Patients with ta-IPAA had a significantly higher mean operative time compared to lap-IPAA (277 min vs. 224 min; p = 0.001). There was no difference in the overall postoperative complication rate (ta-IPAA: 23% vs. lap-IPAA: 23%; p = 0.99). Pouch-related complications occurred in 13% of the ta-IPAA patients and 29% of lap-IPPA patients (p = 0.402). There was no difference in the anastomotic leakage rates. Readmission rates were similar in the ta-IPAA and lap-IPAA group (26 vs. 29%; p = 0.85), including IPAA-related readmissions. The mean follow-up time was 24 and 75 months for ta-IPAA and lap-IPAA, respectively (p = 0.001), and the ileostomy closure rate was similar in both groups of patients (p = 0.96). CONCLUSIONS: The ta-IPAA approach for UC is a safe procedure and offers acceptable short-time outcomes.

Long-term efficacy assessment of current treatment options for epistaxis in HHT.

PURPOSE: Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) is a vascular disorder that presents with recurrent, intractable epistaxis. The aim of this study was to retrospectively analyze the efficacy of various treatment options for epistaxis in patients with HHT, over a period of 18 years, and to correlate these findings with available evidence in the literature. METHODS: Records of patients with HHT, treated for epistaxis between 2000 and 2018 were analyzed. Treatment procedures carried out and their efficacy were extracted and analyzed. RESULTS: Forty-three records were evaluated. All patients were given nasal humidifying ointments, 93% required acute treatment with bipolar electrocautery, and 60% underwent atraumatic nasal packing. Recurrent cases were treated medically with tranexamic acid (26%), oestrogen (19%), and bevacizumab (2%). Laser photocoagulation was done in selected cases (40%) and if unsuccessful, septal dermoplasty was performed (2.3%). Endovascular embolization was reserved for life-threatening emergencies (7%). CONCLUSION: Epistaxis in HHT is not curable, but can be managed by employing a comprehensive stepwise approach. An algorithm for effective and comprehensive management has been presented.

Association between olfactory function and quality of life in patients with olfactory disorders: a multicenter study in over 760 participants.

BACKGROUND: This cross-sectional, multi-centric study aimed to investigate the differences in quality of life among patients with olfactory dysfunction (OD) of different origin, and to identify factors associated with olfactory-related quality of life (QOL). METHODS: Seven hundred sixty-three adults were recruited from 8 Smell & Taste clinics in Germany, Switzerland, and Austria. Olfactory-related QOL was assessed by the Questionnaire of Olfactory Disorders (QOD). Olfactory function was assessed with the "Sniffin' Sticks" test; self-assessment was performed with visual analog scales. RESULTS: Patients with post-infectious and post-traumatic OD showed poorer olfactory-related QOL than patients with sinonasal and idiopathic OD. The olfactory-related QOL was positively associated with the "Sniffin' Sticks" test score, self-assessed olfactory function, disease duration, and age, with younger olfactory dysfunction patients showing lower QOL. Female patients presented with poorer olfactory-related QOL. In addition, the results showed that self-assessment of olfactory function explained more of the variance in olfactory-related QOL than olfactory function evaluated by the Sniffin’ Sticks test. CONCLUSIONS: In addition to the psychophysical testing results, several factors such as disease cause, disease duration, sex, or self- assessed olfactory dysfunction should be taken into account when assessing the individual severity of the smell loss.

[Quality of life after functional aesthetic septorhinoplasty in primary surgery vs. revision surgery-a monocentric study]. / Lebensqualität nach funktionell-ästhetischer Septorhinoplastik in primärer Operation vs. in Revisionsoperation ­ eine monozentrische Studie.

BACKGROUND: Subjective assessments of quality of life (QOL) as an important aspect of outcome research have gained in importance over the past few decades. The number of prospective studies on postoperative QOL in septorhinoplasty using disease-specific instruments is sparse. The aim was to assess and compare patient QOL after primary and revision septorhinoplasty performed by a single surgeon in an ENT center. MATERIAL AND METHODS: All patients completed two disease-specific QOL instruments preoperatively and at least 1 year postoperatively: the Rhinoplasty Outcome Evaluation (ROE) and the Nasal Obstruction Symptoms Evaluation (NOSE) scores. General demographic and clinical information (age, gender, medical and surgical history) were collected from all patients. All operations were performed by a single surgeon (F. R.). RESULTS: A total of 237 patients were included in the study, 208 (87.8%) female and 29 (12.2%) male. The average age was 30.3 ± 8.9 years. The average observation period was 19.3 ± 7.4 months. Using the measurement tool NOSE there was a significant improvement in obstruction in the overall collective (preoperative 49.8 ± 26.2, postoperative 19.1 ± 21.3; p < 0.001) with no significant difference in primary versus revision surgery. The ROE score showed a significant improvement and both collectives (primary and secondary surgery) showed a significant improvement after the intervention. The patients with a primary intervention had a significantly higher postoperative QOL (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The disease-specific QOL showed a significant increase after primary septorhinoplasty as well as after revision surgery. The NOSE score increased significantly in both intervention groups postoperatively.

ECSPECT prospective multicentre registry for single-port laparoscopic colorectal procedures.

BACKGROUND: The international multicentre registry ECSPECT (European Consensus of Single Port Expertise in Colorectal Treatment) was established to evaluate the general feasibility and safety of single-port colorectal surgery with regard to preoperative risk assessment. METHODS: Consecutive patients undergoing single-port colorectal surgery were enrolled from 11 European centres between March 2010 and March 2014. Data were analysed to assess patient-, technique- and procedure-dependent parameters. A validated sex-adjusted risk chart was developed for prediction of single-port colorectal surgery-related conversion and complications. RESULTS: Some 1769 patients were enrolled, 937 with benign and 832 with malignant conditions. Procedures were completed without additional trocars in 1628 patients (92·0 per cent). Conversion to open surgery was required in 75 patients (4·2 per cent) and was related to male sex and ASA fitness grade exceeding I. Conversions were more frequent in pelvic procedures involving the rectum compared with abdominal procedures (8·1 versus 3·2 per cent; odds ratio 2·69, P < 0·001). Postoperative complications were observed in a total of 224 patients (12·7 per cent). Independent predictors of complications included male sex (P < 0·001), higher ASA grade (P = 0·006) and rectal procedures (P = 0·002). The overall 30-day mortality rate was 0·5 per cent (8 of 1769 patients); three deaths (0·2 per cent; 1 blood loss, 2 leaks) were attributable to surgical causes. CONCLUSION: The feasibility and safety, conversion and complication profile demonstrated here provides guidance for patient selection.

Quality of life after primary septorhinoplasty in deviated- and non-deviated nose measured with ROE, FROI-17 and SF-36.

BACKGROUND: Quality of life measurements are gaining in importance. The present study was conducted with the aim to compare patient satisfaction after septorhinoplasty according to their preoperative nasal deformity. METHODS: The patients completed two disease-specific questionnaires before their surgery: the Functional Rhinoplasty Outcome Inventory (FROI-17), the Rhinoplasty Outcome Evaluation (ROE) and as a general instrument, the Short Form 36 Health Survey (SF-36). The second measurement was taken during an outpatient examination 12 months after their primary septorhinoplasty. Patients were grouped in nasal axis deviation (NAD), nasal hump deformity (NHD) and NAD plus NHD. Additionally the patients with preoperative NAD and NAD+NHD were combined as deviated nose and compared to the non-deviation group. RESULTS: One hundred and two patients (51 male and 51 female) underwent primary septorhinoplasty. The ROE- and the FROI-17 overall score including all three subgroups showed significant postoperative improvements. Regarding the SF-36, the postoperative score improved significantly only in two scales (role-functioning physical and mental health). Looking at the the different QoL questionnaires, there were significant postoperative differences in regards to deviated versus non-deviated nose in the FROI-17 overall- and FROI-17 subscores (nasal and general symptoms) and in three scales of the SF-36 (vitality, social functioning, role-functioning emotional), showing a greater postoperative satisfaction in the deviated-nose patient. CONCLUSION: Patients with and without nasal deviation showed improved QoL after their surgery, as measured with the ROE, the FROI-17 and the SF-36. The patients with a nasal deviation showed a significantly better outcome, as measured with the FROI-17, in comparison with the non-deviated group.

The treatment of intertrochanteric fractures comparison of PFN and hemiarthroplasty 3-year mortality study.

Intertrochanteric fractures in elderly patients can increase mortality due to complications and negative functional results. The aim of this study is to retrospectively compare the follow-up and mortality rates among patients given a proximal femoral nail (PFN), the current routine treatment for these types of fractures, with those given hemiarthroplasty.The study retrospectively investigated 202 patients over the age of 60 who completed at least 3 years of follow-up after hemiarthroplasty or PFN for intertrochanteric fractures between 2007 and 2012. While 132 patients underwent cemented hemiarthroplasty, 70 had PFN.The monitoring duration for those with PFN surgery was 31.25±1.3 months while the duration of follow-up for those with hemiarthroplasty surgery was 20.0±1.2 months. At the end of 3 years of monitoring of the 202 patients, 99 were deceased. There was a statistically significant difference found in terms of patient life expectancy between those with PFN and those with hemiarthroplasty; Cox regression analysis identified that the mortality rate of those with hemiarthroplasty was 5.1 times greater.As a result, patients undergoing hemiarthroplasty should be carefully chosen and if possible, PFN should be preferred.

A randomized pilot study on single-port versus conventional laparoscopic rectal surgery: effects on postoperative pain and the stress response to surgery.

BACKGROUND: Potential benefits of single-port laparoscopic surgery may include improved cosmetic results, less postoperative pain, surgical trauma and faster recovery. Results of randomized prospective studies with a focus on single-port rectal surgery have not yet been presented. The aim of the present study was to compare single-port and conventional laparoscopic surgery for rectal cancer in terms of short-term outcomes including postoperative pain and trauma-induced changes in certain bioactive substances. METHODS: Patients with non-metastasized rectal cancer were prospectively randomized to single-port (n = 20) or conventional laparoscopic rectal surgery (n = 20). Postoperative pain was assessed at rest, at coughing and during mobilization, with a numeric pain ranking score and was recorded at 6 h after the operation and subsequently every morning daily for 4 days. Levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-1 (TIMP-1) were determined. Blood samples were collected preoperatively (baseline), and 6, 24, 48, 72 and 96 h after skin incision. RESULTS: Pain scores were significantly reduced in the single-port group on postoperative days 2, 3 and 4 during coughing and mobilization. In addition, the patients in the single-port group suffered significantly less pain at rest at 6 h after surgery and on postoperative days 1, 3 and 4. The levels of the three markers increased significantly after surgery. The increase was similar between groups for plasma IL-6 and TIMP-1 at all time points, while the CRP levels were significantly lower in the single-port group at 6 (p < 0.001) and 24 h (p < 0.05) after skin incision. Abdominal incisions lengths were significantly shorter in the single-port group (p = 0.001). There was no significant difference between groups in operating time and blood loss, morbidity or mortality rate. The short-term oncological outcome in the two groups was similar. CONCLUSIONS: Single-port rectal surgery may reduce postoperative pain. Although CRP levels were lower at some time points, results of the present randomized, pilot study suggest that the trauma-induced inflammatory response of single-port operations may be similar to the trauma-induced inflammatory response of conventional laparoscopic surgery.

Evaluation of Health-related Quality of Life in Paediatric Patients with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia.

OBJECTIVE: Health-related quality of life (HRQOL) measurement is used for assessing the impact of diseases and medical treatments on physical, psychological and social aspects of an individual's health and life. The Paediatric Quality of Life Inventory™ (PedsQL™) is a widely used instrument to measure paediatric HRQOL in children. The aim of this study is to investigate the HRQOL in paediatric patients with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia and determine the precautions for improving the quality of their life. METHODS: Paediatric Quality of Life Inventory™ 4.0 was administered to 75 paediatric patients with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, and 50 healthy age- and gender-matched children. RESULTS: Health-related quality of life scores were significantly lower in patients with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia than in healthy controls in this study. CONCLUSIONS: It is thought that determination of the psychosocial, as well as the physical impacts of the disease on the child, will positively influence the treatment given by improving the quality of life of both the child and the family.

Transanal endoscopic microsurgery for giant polyps of the rectum.

BACKGROUND: The potential for malignancy in rectal polyps increases with the size of the polyp, and unexpected malignancy is reported in up to 39 % of large rectal adenomas. Transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM) offers the possibility of an en bloc full-thickness excision for lesions in the rectum. We present our results with TEM in the removal of giant polyps equal or greater than 4 cm in diameter. METHODS: In the period between 1998 and 2012, TEM was performed in 39 patients with rectal polyps measuring at least 4 cm in diameter. Transrectal ultrasound and/or magnetic resonance imaging of the rectum was used when cancer was suspected. RESULTS: The polyp was removed with en bloc full-thickness excision in 77 % (n = 30). The preoperative diagnosis was benign rectal adenoma in 89.7 % (n = 35). The median size of the polyps was 30 cm(2) (range 16-100 cm(2)). Postoperative complications included bleeding in 4 patients (10.3 %). Histological examination showed unexpected cancer in 4 patients (10.3 %). TEM was curative in 2 of these patients, and the other 2 underwent further surgery. Recurrences occurred in 10 patients (25.6 %) and consisted of 5 adenomas and 5 adenocarcinomas. In 5 patients, these recurrences were treated with endoscopic removal or re-TEM. The remaining 5 underwent total mesorectal excision and/or chemotherapy. CONCLUSIONS: Full-thickness TEM provides a safe and efficient treatment for excision of giant polyps. In case of unexpected cancer, TEM can be curative. Local recurrence can be often treated with a second TEM procedure.

The outcome of rectal cancer after early salvage TME following TEM compared with primary TME: a case-matched study.

BACKGROUND: Transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM) allows locally complete resection of early rectal cancer as an alternative to conventional radical surgery. In case of unfavourable histology after TEM, or positive resection margins, salvage surgery can be performed. However, it is unclear if the results are equivalent to primary treatment with total mesorectal excision (TME). The aim of this retrospective study was to determine whether there is a difference in outcome between patients who underwent early salvage resection with TME after TEM, and those who underwent primary TME for rectal cancer. METHODS: From 1997 to 2011, early salvage surgery with TME after TEM was performed in 25 patients in our institution. These patients were compared with 25 patients who underwent primary TME, matched according to gender, age (±2 years), cancer stage and operative procedure. Data were obtained from the patients' charts and reviewed retrospectively. No patients received preoperative chemotherapy. Perioperative data and oncological outcome were analysed. The Mann-Whitney U-test and Fisher's exact test were used to compare the results between the two groups. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between the two groups in median operating time (P = 0.39), median blood loss (P = 0.19) or intraoperative complications (P = 1.00). The 30-day mortality was 8 % (n = 2) among patients who underwent salvage TME after TEM, and no patients died in the primary TME group (P = 0.49). There was no significant difference between two groups of patients in the median number of harvested lymph nodes (P = 0.34), median circumferential resection margin (CRM) (P = 0.99) or the completeness of the mesorectal fascia plane. No local recurrences occurred among the patients with salvage TME, and there were 2 patients (8 %) with local recurrences among the patients with primary TME (P = 0.49). Distant metastasis occurred in one patient (4 %) after salvage TME and in 3 patients (12 %) with primary TME (P = 0.61). The median follow-up time was 25 months (3-126) for patients who underwent salvage TME and 19 months (3-73) for patients after primary TME. CONCLUSIONS: No difference was found in outcome between patients with rectal cancer undergoing salvage TME after TEM, those undergoing primary TME. In selected patients, TEM can therefore be chosen as a primary treatment, since failure of treatment and subsequent conventional resection appears not to compromise the outcome.

[Reconstruction of maxillary defects using a free scapular angle flap]. / Rekonstruktion von Oberkieferdefekten mit einem freien Skapula-angle-Lappen.

BACKGROUND: In addition to prosthetic rehabilitation, maxillary defects can also be surgically reconstructed. Soft-tissue reconstruction employs a radial forearm or latissimus dorsi muscle flap, while bony reconstruction can be achieved using a fibula, iliac crest, or scapular flap. Reconstruction using a scapular flap is further divided into two subgroups: the traditional scapular flap with the circumflex scapular artery as the donor vessel and the scapular angle flap with the angular artery originating from the thoracodorsal artery as the donor vessel. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We report on four patients who underwent successful reconstruction with a free scapular angle flap between 2009 and 2011, following maxillary resection due to malignancy. RESULTS: Vertical positioning of the scapular angle flap enables reconstruction of the facial contour, whereas its horizontal alignment and microvascular anastomosis makes a bony reconstruction of the hard palate possible. CONCLUSIONS: The versatility, low rate of donor site morbidity and shape of the scapular angle flap--which resembles that of the hard palate--render it ideal for plastic reconstruction. The suitability of bone quality for dental rehabilitation with implants is a topic of controversial discussion. The scapular angle flap represents an alternative to obturator prosthesis for the reconstruction of maxillary defects ≥ grade I according to Okay et al.

Patterns of de novo allo B cells and antibody formation in chronic cardiac allograft rejection after alemtuzumab treatment.

Even though the etiology of chronic rejection (CR) is multifactorial, donor specific antibody (DSA) is considered to have a causal effect on CR development. Currently the antibody-mediated mechanisms during CR are poorly understood due to lack of proper animal models and tools. In a clinical setting, we previously demonstrated that induction therapy by lymphocyte depletion, using alemtuzumab (anti-human CD52), is associated with an increased incidence of serum alloantibody, C4d deposition and antibody-mediated rejection in human patients. In this study, the effects of T cell depletion in the development of antibody-mediated rejection were examined using human CD52 transgenic (CD52Tg) mice treated with alemtuzumab. Fully mismatched cardiac allografts were transplanted into alemtuzumab treated CD52Tg mice and showed no acute rejection while untreated recipients acutely rejected their grafts. However, approximately half of long-term recipients showed increased degree of vasculopathy, fibrosis and perivascular C3d depositions at posttransplant day 100. The development of CR correlated with DSA and C3d deposition in the graft. Using novel tracking tools to monitor donor-specific B cells, alloreactive B cells were shown to increase in accordance with DSA detection. The current animal model could provide a means of testing strategies to understand mechanisms and developing therapeutic approaches to prevent chronic rejection.

Use of a balloon catheter in management of the pelvic space following laparoscopic abdominoperineal excision.

AIM: Management of the pelvic space following laparoscopic abdominoperineal excision remains controversial. We describe a simple technique for obliteration of the pelvic space after laparoscopic abdominoperineal excision. METHOD: Pneumoperitoneum was re-established after completion of the operative procedure and a Foley catheter Ch. 24 was inserted through the right lower port under direct vision. The balloon of the catheter, placed in the presacral space, was filled with 50 ml of sterile saline and connected to passive drainage. The catheter was removed 10 days postoperatively. RESULTS: This technique was used in 15 patients with the median age of 74 years (range 63-86). Eleven patients were treated with preoperative chemoradiotherapy. The median length of hospital stay was 9 days (range 5-11). Two patients (13.3%) treated with chemoradiotherapy developed a superficial perineal wound infection and four patients (26.6%) had a deep pelvic abscess, which required surgical drainage. The median time of perineal wound healing was 3 months (range 2-8). The median follow-up time was 36 months (range 18-60). None of the patients developed perineal hernia or intestinal obstruction in the follow-up period. One patient underwent small bowel resection due to stenosis caused by radiation enteritis. There was no local recurrence, but two patients developed distant metastases after 12 months. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that filling the pelvic cavity with a balloon catheter for 10 days results in the creation of a thin, fibrotic peritoneal layer which keeps the small intestine out of the pelvis and prevents loops of intestine adhering in the pelvic cavity.

Single-port access laparoscopic abdominoperineal resection through the colostomy site: a case report.

Single-port access (SPA) laparoscopic surgery is emerging as an alternative to conventional laparoscopic and open surgery, although its benefits still have to be determined. We present the case of a 87-year-old woman who underwent abdominoperineal resection (APR) with SPA. The abdominal part of the operation was performed with a SILS port inserted through the marked colostomy site, and the specimen was removed through the perineum after intersphincteric dissection. Operating time was 317 min. Bleeding was negligible. The specimen measured 26 cm in length. Thirteen lymph nodes were found, 2 with metastasis. The patient recovered bowel function on the first postoperative day, was discharged on the 7th day and immediately resumed her to normal activities. Laparoscopic APR through SPA can be an alternative option for selected patients but requires advanced laparoscopic skills.

COLOR II. A randomized clinical trial comparing laparoscopic and open surgery for rectal cancer.

INTRODUCTION: Laparoscopic resection of rectal cancer has been proven efficacious but morbidity and oncological outcome need to be investigated in a randomized clinical trial. TRIAL DESIGN: Non-inferiority randomized clinical trial. METHODS: The COLOR II trial is an ongoing international randomized clinical trial. Currently 27 hospitals from Europe, South Korea and Canada are including patients. The primary endpoint is loco-regional recurrence rate three years post-operatively. Secondary endpoints cover quality of life, overall and disease free survival, post-operative morbidity and health economy analysis. RESULTS: By July 2008, 27 hospitals from the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Sweden, Spain, Denmark, South Korea and Canada had included 739 patients. The intra-operative conversion rate in the laparoscopic group was 17%. Distribution of age, location of the tumor and radiotherapy were equal in both treatment groups. Most tumors are located in the mid-rectum (41%). CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic surgery in the treatment of rectal cancer is feasible. The results and safety of laparoscopic surgery in the treatment of rectal cancer remain unknown, but are subject of interim analysis within the COLOR II trial. Completion of inclusion is expected by the end of 2009. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinicaltrials.gov, identifier: NCT00297791 (www.clinicaltrials.gov).

Anterior versus modified combined instrumentation for burst fractures of the thoracolumbar spine: a biomechanical study in calves.

PURPOSE: To compare stability after anterior instrumentation alone versus modified combined anterior and posterior instrumentation for burst fractures of the thoracolumbar spine in calves. METHODS: Thoracolumbar spines of 10 calves were used. An axial compression force was applied on each specimen using a material-testing machine, until there was a burst fracture at T12 or L1. Five specimens were fixed with anterior instrumentation alone, using 2 rods connected by 2 screws above and 2 screws below the fractured vertebra plus one tranverse connector. Another 5 were fixed with our modified technique of combined anterior and posterior instrumentation. This entailed one rod connected with one screw above and one screw below the fractured vertebra anteriorly, and another rod connected with one transpedicular screw above and one transpedicular screw below the fractured vertebra posteriorly. After instrumentation, the experiment was conducted again on each specimen and the compressive stiffness and vertebral height loss between the 2 groups compared. RESULTS: The mean compressive stiffness was significantly greater after modified combined anterior and posterior instrumentation than anterior instrumentation alone (5508 vs 2888 N, p=0.0256), whereas the respective vertebral height losses were 37 and 33 mm (p=0.3808). CONCLUSION: Our modified technique of combined anterior and posterior instrumentation provides greater stability than traditional anterior instrumentation alone.

An investigation of equine infectious anaemia infection in the central Anatolia region of Turkey.

In this study, 162 horses, 80 donkeys and 51 mule serum samples were collected in Konya city. Additionally, 64 horse serum samples from Ankara and 49 samples from Kayseri city were included in the study. A total of 406 serum samples were examined by agar gel immunodiffusion (AGID) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for antibody to equine infectious anaemia virus (EIAV) and no positive result was detected.