One-stage implant in sacral neuromodulation for faecal incontinence - short-term outcome from a prospective study.

AIM: Sacral neuromodulation (SNM) is approved for the treatment of faecal incontinence (FI) in a two-stage technique. With standardized implantation, approximately 90% of patients undergo successful Stage I operation and proceed to a permanent implant (Stage II). The aim of this work was to explore the feasibility of SNM as a one-stage procedure and report the 24-week efficacy. METHOD: This study included patients diagnosed with idiopathic FI or FI due to an external anal sphincter defect ≤160° and one or more episodes of FI per week despite maximal conservative therapy. Patients were offered a one-stage procedure if a motor response of the external anal sphincter was achieved in three or more poles with at least one at ≤1.5 mA at lead placement. Patients were followed for 24 weeks. Their evaluation included the Wexner/St Mark's Incontinence Score, Faecal Incontinence Quality of Life score (FIQoL), a visual analogue scale (VAS) for assessing patient satisfaction and a bowel habit diary. RESULTS: Seventy-three patients with a median age of 60 years (interquartile range 50-69 years) completed this prospective study. Episodes of FI were significantly reduced at the 24-week follow-up, from 13 (8-23) at baseline to 2 (0-5) (p-value = 0002). A ≥50% reduction in the number of FI episodes was achieved in 92% of participants. The Wexner score improved significantly from 16 (14-17) at baseline to 9 (5-13) (p-value < 0.001), and the St Mark's score improved significantly from 18 (16-20) to 11 (7-16) (p-value < 0.001). All domains in the FIQoL score and VAS for patient satisfaction improved significantly following the one-stage procedure. CONCLUSION: A one-stage implantation procedure is feasible in selected patients with FI, significantly improving continence, quality of life and patient satisfaction after 24 weeks of follow-up.

A population-based nationwide study on total colectomy for ulcerative colitis and risk of ten prevalent inflammatory or autoimmune diseases.

BACKGROUND: There is growing evidence to support a role of the gut microbiome in the development of chronic inflammatory and autoimmune disease (IAD). We used total colectomy (TC) for ulcerative colitis (UC) as a model for a significant disruption in gut microbiome to explore an association with subsequent risk of IAD. METHODS: We identified all patients with UC and no diagnosis of IAD prior to their UC diagnosis in Denmark from 1988 to 2015. Patients were followed from the date of UC to a diagnosis of IAD, death or end of follow-up, whichever occurred first. We used Cox regression to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) of IAD associated with TC, adjusting for age, sex, Charlson Comorbidity Index, and calendar year of UC diagnosis. RESULTS: 30,507 patients with UC (3,155 with TC and 27,352 without) were identified from the Danish National Patient Registry. During 43,266 person-years of follow-up, 2733 patients were diagnosed with an IAD. The risk of any IAD was higher for patients with TC compared to patients without (adjusted HR [aHR] 1.39 (95% CI: 1.24-1.57)). When the analyses were adjusted for exposure to antibiotics, immunomodulatory medicine and biologics (covering 2005-2018), the risk of IAD was still higher for patients with total colectomy (aHR = 1.41 (95% CI: 1.09;1.83)). Disease-specific analyses were weakened by a low number of outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: The risk of IAD was higher for patients who underwent TC for UC compared to patients who did not.KEY MESSAGESWhat is already known?o The gut microbiome plays an important role in host immune homeostasis, and changes in gut bacterial diversity and composition may change the individual's risk of inflammatory and autoimmune disease (IAD).What is new here?o Patients with ulcerative colitis who undergo total colectomy have a higher risk of being diagnosed with IAD, compared to patients with ulcerative colitis who do not undergo total colectomy.How can this study help patient care?o Future research can help uncover the mechanisms responsible for the higher risk of certain IADs after total colectomy. If the microbiome plays a role, modifying the gut microbiome could prove a viable therapeutic strategy to reduce the risk of developing IADs.

In this nationwide Danish cohort study of all Danish UC patients diagnosed in the period from 1988 to 2015, the risk of being diagnosed with inflammatory and autoimmune disease is higher for patients who underwent total colectomy compared to UC patients without total colectomy.

Bowel dysfunction following pelvic organ cancer: a prospective study on the treatment effect in nurse-led late sequelae clinics.

BACKGROUND: Bowel dysfunction following treatment of pelvic organ cancer is prevalent and impacts the quality of life (QoL). The present study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and effects of treating bowel dysfunction in two nurse-led late sequelae clinics. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Treatment effects were monitored prospectively by patient-reported outcome measures collected at baseline and discharge. Change in bowel function was evaluated by 15 bowel symptoms, the St. Mark's Incontinence Score, the Patients Assessment of Constipation-Symptoms (PAC-SYM) score and self-rated bowel function. QoL was evaluated by the EuroQol 5-dimension 5-level (EQ-5D-5L) utility score and by measuring the impact of bowel function on QoL. RESULTS: From June 2018 to December 2021, 380 cancer survivors (46% rectal, 15% gynaecological, 13% anal, 12% colon, 12% prostate, and 2% other cancers) completed a baseline questionnaire and started treatment for bowel dysfunction. At referral, 96% of patients were multisymptomatic. The most frequent symptoms were faecal urgency (95%), fragmented defaecation (93%), emptying difficulties (92%), flatus/faecal incontinence (flatus 89%, liquid 59%, solid 33%), and obstructed defaecation (79%). In total, 169 patients were discharged from the clinics in the follow-up period. At discharge, 69% received conservative treatment only and 24% also received transanal irrigation; 4% were surgically treated; 3% discontinued treatment. Improvements were seen in all 15 bowel symptoms (p < 0.001), the mean St. Mark's Incontinence Score (12.0 to 9.9, p < 0.001), the mean PAC-SYM score (1.04 to 0.84, p < 0.001) and the mean EQ-5D-5L utility score (0.78 to 0.84, p < 0.001). Self-rated bowel function improved in 56% (p < 0.001) of cases and the impact of bowel function on QoL improved in 46% (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Treatment of bowel dysfunction in nurse-led late sequelae clinics is feasible and significantly improved bowel function and QoL.

Prospective evaluation of bowel function and quality of life after colon cancer surgery - is it time for routine screening for late sequelae?

AIM: Bowel dysfunction after colon cancer (CC) surgery is widely neglected in current follow up programmes. This study explored changes in bowel function and quality of life (QoL) from three (3 m) to twelve months (12 m) after surgery in CC patients undergoing right- or left-sided colon resection (RightSCR/LeftSCR) and investigated differences between the two groups 12 m after surgery. METHOD: CC patients undergoing surgical resection in 2018-2020 at five surgical departments were included in this population-based prospective cohort study. Included patients completed electronic surveys consisting of a collection of validated scores 3 m and 12 m after surgery. RESULTS: A total of 708 CC patients (423 RightSCR, 285 LeftSCR) were included. In RightSCR, no improvement was observed from 3 m to 12 m in most scores/items, on the contrary, symptom worsening in flatus- and faecal incontinence and urgency was observed (p < 0.05). Also, the proportion of patients rating their bowel function as very good/good decreased (p < 0.05) in this group. In LeftSCR improvement was found in flatus and faecal incontinence, urgency and night-time defaecation (p < 0.02), while no improvement was observed in the remaining scores/items. At 12 m, higher proportions of RightSCR than LeftSCR reported loose stools, incontinence and urgency (all p < 0.001), whereas LeftSCR more often reported hard stools and flatus incontinence (p < 0.05). Among all CC patients 18.3% reported bowel-related impairment of QoL at 12 m with no differences between the two groups. CONCLUSION: From 3 m to 12 m no significant change was observed in the majority of bowel function and QoL scores/items, however, some symptoms worsened in RightSCR, while a few improved in LeftSCR. Bowel dysfunction and impaired QoL were still common in both groups at 12 m, although the symptom pattern differed between the groups. These findings call for a systematic screening for bowel dysfunction to ensure early treatment of symptoms.

Short-term outcomes following total colectomy for inflammatory bowel disease in Denmark after implementation of laparoscopy: a nationwide population-based study.

AIM: A laparoscopic approach to total colectomy (TC) for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is being increasingly used, but data on its comparative benefits over open TC are conflicting. The aim of this study was to examine 90-day outcomes following laparoscopic and open TC for IBD in a nationwide cohort after the introduction of laparoscopy. METHOD: IBD patients undergoing TC in Denmark from 2005 to 2017 were identified from the Danish National Patient Registry. We used Kaplan-Meier methodology to estimate mortality and Cox regression analysis to estimate adjusted mortality rate ratios (aMRRs) and adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs) of reoperation, readmission and intensive care unit (ICU) transfer, comparing patients undergoing laparoscopic versus open TC. RESULTS: We identified 1095 patients undergoing laparoscopic TC and 1523 patients undergoing open TC. Following emergency TC, 90-day mortality was 2.8% (1.6%-4.9%) after laparoscopic TC and 9.1% (7.0%-11.8%) after open TC. Ninety-day mortality was 0.9% (0.3%-2.5%) after laparoscopic TC and 2.6% (1.5%-4.3%) after open elective TC. The aMRRs associated with laparoscopic TC were 0.45 (95% CI 0.25-0.80) in emergency cases and 0.29 (95% CI 0.10-0.86) in elective cases. Risks of readmission were comparable following laparoscopic versus open TC, both in emergency [aHR = 0.93 (95% CI 0.76-1.15)] and elective [aHR = 0.83 (95% CI 0.68-1.02)] cases, while risks of ICU transfer and reoperation were lower following laparoscopic TC, both in emergency cases [aHR = 0.53 (95% CI 0.35-0.82) and aHR = 0.26 (95% CI 0.15-0.47)] and elective [aHR = 0.58 (95% CI 0.35-0.95) and aHR = 0.37 (95% CI 0.21-0.66)] cases. CONCLUSION: The introduction of laparoscopic TC for IBD in Denmark was not associated with increased mortality or morbidity. In fact, laparoscopic TC for IBD may be associated with lower short-term mortality and morbidity compared with open TC.

Chronic pain after colon cancer surgery: Translation and validation of a scoring system.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to translate and validate the chronic pain score (CP score) in a cohort of colon cancer patients. Chronic pain following colon cancer surgery is still poorly understood, in particular the lack of a validated tool for measuring chronic pain is a major issue as such an instrument is critical for evaluating the incidence and risk factors. The CP score was created using data from Danish rectal cancer patients. METHODS: Danish colorectal cancer survivors diagnosed between 2001 and 2014 completed the CP score and two quality of life (QoL) measures. Clinical data were obtained from a national database. Convergent validity was investigated by testing the association of the CP score with a single ad hoc QoL item and the EORTC QLQ-C30, and discriminative validity was tested as the score's ability to differentiate between gender and age groups. Sensitivity and specificity were evaluated by determining the ability of the score to identify patients with a major impact of pain on QoL. RESULTS: Responses from 7127 colon cancer were included. Convergent validity was confirmed, as the score was associated with both QoL measures (p < 0.001). Moreover, the score could differentiate between males/females and older/younger patients (p < 0.001, respectively), reflecting high discriminative validity. Finally, the score was able to identify patients with a major impact on QoL, with a sensitivity of 87% and specificity of 82%. CONCLUSION: The CP score is a valid tool for measuring chronic pain after colon cancer surgery and should be used to homogenize outcomes in future studies.

Chronic loose stools following right-sided hemicolectomy for colon cancer and the association with bile acid malabsorption and small intestinal bacterial overgrowth.

AIM: Patients treated with right-sided hemicolectomy for colon cancer may suffer from long-term bowel dysfunction, including loose stools, urgency and faecal incontinence. The underlying causes are poorly understood. The aim of this case-control study was to investigate the aetiology of chronic loose stools among patients with right-sided hemicolectomy curatively operated for cancer. METHOD: Cases with chronic loose stools (Bristol stool type 6-7) after right-sided hemicolectomy were compared with a control group of patients with right-sided hemicolectomy without loose stools. All patients underwent a selenium-75 homocholic acid taurine (SeHCAT) scan to diagnose bile acid malabsorption (BAM) and a glucose breath test to diagnose small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO). Gastrointestinal transit time (GITT) was assessed with radiopaque markers. In a subgroup of patients, fibroblast growth factor 19 (FGF19) was measured in fasting blood. SIBO was treated with antibiotics and BAM was treated with bile acid sequestrants. RESULTS: We included 45 cases and 19 controls. In the case group, 82% (n = 36) had BAM compared with 37% (n = 7) in the control group, p < 0.001. SIBO was diagnosed in 73% (n = 33) of cases with chronic loose stools and in 74% (n = 14) of controls, p = 0.977. No association between BAM and SIBO was observed. GITT was similar in cases and controls. No difference in median FGF19 was observed between cases and controls (p = 0.894), and no correlation was seen between FGF19 and SeHCAT retention (rs 0.20, p = 0.294). Bowel symptoms among cases were reduced after treatment. CONCLUSION: BAM and SIBO are common in patients having undergone right-sided hemicolectomy for cancer. Chronic loose stools were associated with BAM but not with SIBO.

Educational differences in healthcare use among survivors after breast, prostate, lung, and colon cancer - a SEQUEL cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Many cancer survivors experience late effects after cancer. Comorbidity, health literacy, late effects, and help-seeking behavior may affect healthcare use and may differ among socioeconomic groups. We examined healthcare use among cancer survivors, compared with cancer-free individuals, and investigated educational differences in healthcare use among cancer survivors. METHODS: A Danish cohort of 127,472 breast, prostate, lung, and colon cancer survivors from the national cancer databases, and 637,258 age- and sex-matched cancer-free individuals was established. Date of entry was 12 months after diagnosis/index date (for cancer-free individuals). Follow-up ended at death, emigration, new primary cancer, December 31st, 2018, or up to 10 years. Information about education and healthcare use, defined as the number of consultations with general practitioner (GP), private practicing specialists (PPS), hospital, and acute healthcare contacts 1-9 years after diagnosis/index date, was extracted from national registers. We used Poisson regression models to compare healthcare use between cancer survivors and cancer-free individuals, and to investigate the association between education and healthcare use among cancer survivors. RESULTS: Cancer survivors had more GP, hospital, and acute healthcare contacts than cancer-free individuals, while the use of PPS were alike. One-to-four-year survivors with short compared to long education had more GP consultations (breast, rate ratios (RR) = 1.28, 95% CI = 1.25-1.30; prostate, RR = 1.14, 95% CI = 1.10-1.18; lung, RR = 1.18, 95% CI = 1.13-1.23; and colon cancer, RR = 1.17, 95% CI = 1.13-1.22) and acute contacts (breast, RR = 1.35, 95% CI = 1.26-1.45; prostate, RR = 1.26, 95% CI = 1.15-1.38; lung, RR = 1.24, 95% CI = 1.16-1.33; and colon cancer, RR = 1.35, 95% CI = 1.14-1.60), even after adjusting for comorbidity. One-to-four-year survivors with short compared to long education had less consultations with PPS, while no association was observed for hospital contacts. CONCLUSION: Cancer survivors used more healthcare than cancer-free individuals. Cancer survivors with short education had more GP and acute healthcare contacts than survivors with long education. To optimize healthcare use after cancer, we need to better understand survivors' healthcare-seeking behaviors and their specific needs, especially among survivors with short education.

Diet and bowel symptoms among colon cancer survivors.

BACKGROUND: Survival from colon cancer (CC) has improved considerably over the last decades, yet many survivors suffer from late sequelae from treatment. Typical symptoms of bowel dysfunction after treatment of CC are diarrhea, urge for defecation, fecal incontinence, bloating and constipation. Most CC survivors make dietary changes to alleviate bowel symptoms. We aimed to describe the self-perceived effects of diet on bowel function among CC survivors and the level of dietary information given. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, CC patients from four surgical departments in Denmark completed surveys regarding the effects of diet on their bowel function and whether they had previously received dietary advice. Data concerning sociodemographic characteristics and the surgical procedure (right-sided or left-sided hemicolectomy) were collected from the Danish Colorectal Cancer Group database. Forty-four healthcare professionals specialized in CC completed a questionnaire on how they advise CC. Descriptive statistics were applied. RESULTS: Among 1544 patients invited, 1239 (80.4%) responded, and 844 met the inclusion criteria (53% males, median age 72.6 years, median time since surgery 742 days). Among these, 267 (32%) reported that food affected bowel function. Fat was perceived to have a negative effect in 193 (25%), spices in 149 (19%), sweets in 101 (13%) and meat in 99 (13%). There was no association between tumor site and food categories affecting bowel function (p = 0.078). Most healthcare professionals (93%) stated that their unit gave advice about diet, but only 24% of patients remembered such information. CONCLUSION: One-third of CC survivors perceive that food items, especially fat and spices have a negative impact on their bowel function. We found a major discrepancy between healthcare professionals reporting that they provide advice and the proportion of patients remembering this. There is an unmet need for further recognition of the role of diet in CC rehabilitation and for intervention studies of treatment principles.

Prevalence of self-reported abdominal symptoms among 50-74-years-old men and women eligible for colorectal cancer screening -a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Screening is defined as the identification of unrecognized disease in an apparently healthy population. Symptomatic individuals are recommended to contact a physician instead of participating in screening. However, in colorectal cancer (CRC) screening this approach may be problematic as abdominal symptoms are nonspecific. This study aimed at identifying the prevalence of self-reported abdominal symptoms among screening-eligible men and women aged 50-74 years. METHODS: This cross-sectional survey study included 11,537 individuals aged 50-74 years invited for CRC screening from 9 to 23 September 2019. Descriptive statistics of responders experiencing alarm symptoms of CRC, Low Anterior Resection Syndrome Score (LARS) and the Patient Assessment of Constipation-Symptoms (PAC-SYM) were derived. The association between abdominal symptoms and demographic and socioeconomic variables were estimated by prevalence ratio (PR) using a Poisson regression model with robust variance. RESULTS: A total of 5488 respondents were included. The respondents were more likely women, of older age, Danish, cohabiting and had higher education and income level compared to non-respondents. Abdominal pain more than once a week was experienced by 12.0% of the respondents. Of these, 70.8% had been experiencing this symptom for >1 month. Fresh blood in the stool was experienced by 0.7% and of these 82.1% for >1 month. About one third of those experiencing alarm symptoms more than once a week for >1 month had not consulted a doctor. A total of 64.1% of the respondents had no LARS, 21.7% had minor LARS and 14.2% had major LARS. The median PAC-SYM score was 0.33 (Interquartile range (IQR): 0.17;0.75), the median abdominal score was 0.50 (IQR: 0.00;1.00), median rectal score 0.00 (IQR:0.00;0.33) and median stool score 0.40 (IQR: 0.00;0.80). Men and those aged 65-74 reported less symptoms than women and those aged 50-64 years, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: This study illustrated that abdominal symptoms were frequent among screening-eligible men and women. This should be taken into account when implementing and improving CRC screening strategies. A concerning high number of the respondents experiencing alarm symptoms had not consulted a doctor. This calls for attention to abdominal symptoms in general and how those with abdominal symptoms should participate in CRC screening.

Rectal Cancer Risk and Survival After Total Colectomy for IBD: A Population-Based Study.

BACKGROUND: Patients undergoing total colectomy for IBD may develop cancer in the rectal remnant, but the association is poorly understood. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to examine the risk and prognosis of rectal cancer after total colectomy for IBD. DESIGN: This is a nationwide population-based study. SETTING: Treatment of the patients took place in Denmark from 1977 to 2013. PATIENTS: Patients with IBD undergoing total colectomy were included. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: We examined the incidence of rectal cancer among patients with IBD and total colectomy and compared cancer stage to that of other patients with rectal cancer in Denmark. We used Kaplan-Meier methodology to estimate survival and Cox regression to estimate adjusted mortality rate ratios following a rectal cancer diagnosis, comparing patients with and without IBD and a rectal remnant. RESULTS: We identified 4703 patients with IBD (1026 Crohn's disease; 3677 ulcerative colitis) who underwent total colectomy with a rectal remnant. During 29,725 years of follow-up, 30 rectal cancers were observed, compared with 8 rectal cancers expected (standardized incidence ratio = 3.6 (95% CI, 2.4-5.1)). Cancer stage distributions were similar. Risk of rectal cancer 35 years after total colectomy was 1.9% (95% CI, 1.1%-2.9%). Five years after rectal cancer diagnosis, survival was 28% (95% CI, 12%-47%) and 38% (95% CI, 37%-38%) for patients with and without IBD and a rectal remnant. The adjusted mortality rate ratio 1 to 5 years after a rectal cancer diagnosis was 2.5 (95% CI, 1.6-3.9). Median time from last recorded nondiagnostic proctoscopy to rectal cancer diagnosis for patients with IBD and total colectomy was 1.1 years. LIMITATIONS: This study was limited by the few outcomes and the use of administrative and not clinical data. CONCLUSION: Long-term risk of rectal cancer following total colectomy for IBD was low. Survival following a diagnosis of rectal cancer was poorer for patients with IBD and total colectomy than for patients who had rectal cancer without IBD and total colectomy. Endoscopic surveillance, as it appeared to be practiced in this cohort, may be inadequate. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/B497. RIESGO DE CÁNCER DE RECTO Y SUPERVIVENCIA DESPUÉS DE UNA COLECTOMÍA TOTAL POR ENFERMEDAD INFLAMATORIA INTESTINAL: UN ESTUDIO POBLACIONAL: Los pacientes sometidos a colectomía total por enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal (EII) pueden desarrollar cáncer en el remanente rectal, pero la asociación es poco conocida.Examinar el riesgo y el pronóstico del cáncer de recto después de una colectomía total para la EII.Estudio poblacional a nivel nacional.Dinamarca 1977-2013.Pacientes con EII sometidos a colectomía total.Examinamos la incidencia de cáncer de recto entre pacientes con EII y colectomía total y comparamos el estadio del cáncer con el de otros pacientes con cáncer de recto en Dinamarca. Utilizamos la metodología de Kaplan-Meier para estimar la supervivencia y la regresión de Cox para estimar las tasas de mortalidad ajustadas (aMRR) después de un diagnóstico de cáncer de recto, comparando pacientes con y sin EII y un remanente rectal.Identificamos 4.703 pacientes con EII (1.026 enfermedad de Crohn; 3.677 colitis ulcerosa) que se sometieron a colectomía total con remanente rectal. Durante 29,725 años de seguimiento, se observaron 30 cánceres de recto, en comparación con los 8 esperados [razón de incidencia estandarizada (SIR) = 3.6, (intervalo de confianza (IC) del 95%: 2.4-5.1)]. Las distribuciones de las etapas del cáncer fueron similares. El riesgo de cáncer de recto 35 años después de la colectomía total fue del 1,9% (IC del 95%: 1,1% -2,9%). Cinco años después del diagnóstico de cáncer de recto, la supervivencia fue del 28% (IC del 95%: 12% -47%) y del 38% (IC del 95%: 37% -38%) para los pacientes con y sin EII y un remanente rectal, respectivamente. La aMRR 1-5 años después de un diagnóstico de cáncer de recto fue de 2,5 (IC del 95%: 1,6-3,9). La mediana de tiempo desde la última proctoscopia no diagnóstica registrada hasta el diagnóstico de cáncer de recto en pacientes con EII y colectomía total fue de 1,1 años.Pocos resultados, uso de datos administrativos y no clínicos.El riesgo a largo plazo de cáncer de recto después de una colectomía total para la EII fue bajo. La supervivencia después de un diagnóstico de cáncer de recto fue más pobre para los pacientes con EII y colectomía total que para los pacientes con cáncer de recto sin EII y colectomía total. La vigilancia endoscópica, como parecía practicarse en esta cohorte, puede ser inadecuada. Consulte Video Resumen en http://links.lww.com/DCR/B497. (Traducción-Dr. Adrian Ortega).

Functional Outcomes and Quality of Life after Redo Anastomosis in Patients With Rectal Cancer: An International Multicenter Comparative Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: Redo anastomosis can be considered in selected patients with persistent leakage, stenosis, or local recurrence. It is technically challenging, and little is known about the functional outcomes after this seldomly performed type of surgery. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare functional outcomes and the quality of life between redo anastomosis and primary successful anastomosis following total mesorectal excision for rectal cancer. DESIGN: This study was designed as an international multicenter comparative cohort study. SETTINGS: The study was conducted in 3 tertiary referral centers in the Netherlands, Belgium, and France. PATIENTS: Patients undergoing redo anastomosis were compared with patients with a primary successful anastomosis after total mesorectal excision for rectal cancer. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Low anterior resection syndrome score, European Organization for the Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ) C30, and EORTC QLQ-CR29 questionnaires were used to assess outcomes. RESULTS: In total, 170 patients were included; 52 underwent redo anastomosis and 118 were controls. Major low anterior resection syndrome occurred in 73% after redo anastomosis compared with 68% following primary successful anastomosis (p = 0.52). The redo group had worse EORTC QLQ-CR29 mean scores for fecal incontinence (p = 0.03) and flatulence (p = 0.008). There were no differences in urinary (p = 0.48) or sexual dysfunction, either in men (p = 0.83) or in women (p = 0.76). Significantly worse scores in the redo group were found for global health (p = 0.002), role (p = 0.049) and social function (p = 0.006), body image (p = 0.03), and anxiety (p = 0.02). LIMITATIONS: This study is limited by the possible response bias. CONCLUSIONS: Redo anastomosis is associated with significantly worse quality of life compared with primary successful anastomosis. However, major low anterior resection syndrome was comparable between groups and should not be a reason to preclude restoration of bowel continuity in highly motivated patients. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/B565. RESULTADOS FUNCIONALES Y DE CALIDAD DE VIDA POSTERIOR A LA RECONSTRUCCIN DE LA ANASTOMOSIS EN PACIENTES CON CNCER DE RECTO ESTUDIO INTERNACIONAL MULTICNTRICO DE COHORTE COMPARATIVO: ANTECEDENTES:Se puede considerar reconstruir la anastomosis en pacientes seleccionados con fuga persistente, estenosis o recidiva local. Esto es técnicamente desafiante y poco se sabe sobre los resultados funcionales después de este tipo de cirugía que rara vez se realiza.OBJETIVO:El objetivo de este estudio fue comparar resultados funcionales y la calidad de vida entre reconstrucción de la anastomosis y la anastomosis primaria exitosa posterior de la escisión total de mesorrecto (TME) por cáncer de recto.DISEÑO:Este estudio fue diseñado como un estudio internacional multicéntrico de cohorte comparativo.ENTORNO CLINICO:El estudio se llevó a cabo en tres centros de referencia terciarios en Holanda, Bélgica y Francia.PACIENTES:Los pacientes sometidos a reconstrucción de anastomosis fueron comparados con pacientes con anastomosis primaria exitosa después de TME por cáncer de recto.PRINCIPALES MEDIDAS DE VALORACION:Los cuestionarios; Escala de Síndrome de Resección Anterior Baja (LARS), EORTC QLQ-C30, y QLQ-CR29, fueron utilizados para evaluar los resultados.RESULTADOS:En total, se incluyeron 170 pacientes; 52 reconstrucción de anastomosis y 118 controles. LARS ocurrió en el 73% posterior a la reconstrucción de la anastomosis en comparación con el 68% posterior a la anastomosis primaria exitosa (p = 0,52). El grupo de reconstrucción tuvo peores puntuaciones medias de EORTC QLQ-CR29 para incontinencia fecal (p = 0,03) y flatulencia (p = 0,008). No hubo diferencias en disfunción urinaria (p = 0,48) o sexual, ni en hombres (p = 0,83) ni en mujeres (p = 0,76). Se encontraron puntuaciones significativamente peores en el grupo de reconstrucción para salud global (p = 0,002), desempeño (p = 0,049) y función social (p = 0,006), imagen corporal (p = 0,03) y ansiedad (p = 0,02).LIMITACIONES:La limitación de este estudio es el posible sesgo de respuesta.CONCLUSIONES:La reconstrucción de la anastomosis se asocia con una calidad de vida significativamente peor en comparación con los pacientes con anastomosis primaria exitosa. Sin embargo, LARS fue comparable entre los grupos y no debería ser una razón para impedir la restauración de la continuidad intestinal en pacientes muy motivados. Consulte Video Resumen en http://links.lww.com/DCR/B565.

Patient-led follow-up reduces outpatient doctor visits and improves patient satisfaction. One-year analysis of secondary outcomes in the randomised trial Follow-Up after Rectal CAncer (FURCA).

BACKGROUND: FURCA (Follow-Up after Rectal Cancer) is a multi-centre randomised trial comparing patient-led follow-up with standard outpatient follow-up. This paper reports one-year follow-up data from the FURCA trial on selected secondary outcomes including type and number of contacts, patient-reported involvement and satisfaction with health care services during follow-up. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Patients with rectal cancer (stage < IV) from four Danish surgical centres were randomised (1:1) into intervention (education and self-referral to project nurse) or standard follow-up (routine clinical doctor visits). The present analysis involved data on hospital contacts during the first year after surgery, patient involvement and satisfaction measured at one year, and baseline patient-reported and clinical variables. RESULTS: Of 512 eligible patients, 168 were allocated to patient-led follow-up (intervention) and 168 to standard follow-up (control). The total number of hospital contacts in the intervention arm did not differ significantly from the number of contacts in the control arm (p = 0.44). More patients had ≥15 contacts in the intervention arm than in the control arm (p = 0.004). The total number of outpatient doctor visits was significantly lower in the intervention arm (p < 0.001). Patients in both arms rated involvement and satisfaction high; yet patients in the intervention arm scored significantly higher on two of six items regarding involvement and all five items regarding satisfaction. Of the 168 patients in the intervention arm, 43% made direct contact (self-referral) to the project nurse, and 14 of these patients (8%) had ≥4 contacts. The primary reason for self-referral was bowel dysfunction. DISCUSSION: The findings indicate the value of a patient-led follow-up program in terms of direct access and more individually tailored intervention based on patients' needs, with most tasks being managed by nurses. Patient-led follow-up came with improved patient-perceived involvement and satisfaction; thus, it was both acceptable and favourable for the patients.

Urinary dysfunction after colorectal cancer treatment and impact on quality of life-a national cross-sectional study in males.

AIM: Despite advances in the treatment of colorectal cancer, postoperative urogenital dysfunction is still a problem although its exact extent remains unclear. The aim of this study was to identify the prevalence and patterns of urinary dysfunction in men following treatment for colorectal cancer and the impact of urinary dysfunction on quality of life. METHOD: A retrospective national Danish cross-sectional study was performed in patients treated for colorectal cancer between 2001 and 2014. Patients answered questionnaires on urinary function and quality of life including the International Consultation on Incontinence Modular Questionnaire-Male Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms measuring voiding and incontinence. Results were analysed based on data on demographics and treatment-related factors obtained from the Danish Colorectal Cancer Group database. RESULTS: A total of 5710 patients responded to the questionnaire (response rate 52.8%). In both crude analysis and after adjusting for patient-related factors (age, time since surgery and American Society of Anesthesiologists score), both voiding (P < 0.0001) and incontinence scores (P < 0.0001) were significantly higher after rectal cancer than after colon cancer. In the rectal cancer group, abdominoperineal excision was found to be a significant risk factor for both voiding (P < 0.0001) and incontinence (P = 0.011), while radiotherapy only impaired continence (P = 0.014). Significant correlations between high voiding and incontinence scores and impaired quality of life were found in both groups. CONCLUSION: We found a high prevalence of urinary dysfunction following treatment for colorectal cancer, especially in the rectal cancer group. Abdominoperineal excision was the most significant risk factor for both voiding and incontinence. Urinary dysfunction significantly impairs patients' quality of life.

Urinary dysfunction after colorectal cancer treatment and its impact on quality of life - a national cross-sectional study in women.

AIM: The aim of this study was to investigate urinary dysfunction and its impact on the quality of life of colorectal cancer survivors. We also wanted to identify the risk factors for impaired urinary function. METHOD: A national cross-sectional study was performed including patients treated for colorectal cancer between 2001 and 2014. Patients answered questionnaires regarding urinary function and quality of life, including the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire - Female Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (ICIQ-FLUTS), measuring filling, voiding and incontinence. Data were compared with data on demographics and treatment-related factors from the Danish Colorectal Cancer Group (DCCG) database. RESULTS: We found that rectal cancer treatment significantly impaired urinary function compared with colon cancer treatment (filling score p = 0.003, voiding p < 0.0001, incontinence p = 0.0001). Radiotherapy was the single most influential risk factor for high filling (p = 0.0043), voiding (p < 0.0001) and incontinence (p < 0.0001) scores, whereas type of rectal resection was only significant in crude analysis. Urinary dysfunction was strongly associated with an impaired quality of life. CONCLUSION: Urinary dysfunction is common after treatment for colorectal cancer, particularly if the treatment includes radiotherapy. All patients must be informed of the risk before cancer treatment, and functional outcome should be routinely assessed at follow-up.

Nurse-led standardized intervention for low anterior resection syndrome. A population-based pilot study.

AIM: Our aim was to study the implementation of the low anterior resection syndrome (LARS) score in a clinical setting and to evaluate a nurse-led standardized intervention for bowel dysfunction following rectal cancer surgery. METHOD: All patients who underwent curatively intended, restorative rectal cancer resection in a single centre between 2012 and 2016 were screened using the LARS score. At clinical follow-up, patients with major LARS were offered treatment in a nurse-led clinic. Data were retrospectively collected from patients' electronic medical records. RESULTS: In total, 190 out of 286 (66%) patients were screened with the LARS score of whom 89 had major LARS. A total of 86 patients requested treatment for their bowel dysfunction and the majority obtained acceptable function after nurse-led optimized conservative treatment. Seventeen patients went on to transanal irrigation, and seven patients were treated with biofeedback. Five patients were referred for surgery, three for gastroenterological evaluation. After treatment in the clinic, patients achieved a statistically significant decrease in median LARS score from 37 (interquartile range 34-39) to 31 (interquartile range 23-34) (P < 0.001), and the prevalence of major LARS fell from 95% to 53% (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Screening for LARS was not optimal as one-third of patients were not screened. The majority of patients with major LARS requested treatment for their symptoms and could be successfully treated with standardized interventions managed in a nurse-led setting.

Comparative analysis of the Memorial Sloan Kettering Bowel Function Instrument and the Low Anterior Resection Syndrome Questionnaire for assessment of bowel dysfunction in rectal cancer patients after low anterior resection.

AIM: Neoadjuvant therapy and total mesorectal excision (TME) for rectal cancer are associated with bowel dysfunction symptoms known as low anterior resection syndrome (LARS). Our study compared the only two validated instruments-the LARS Questionnaire (LARS-Q) and the Memorial Sloan Kettering Bowel Function Instrument (MSK-BFI)-in rectal cancer patients undergoing sphincter-preserving TME. METHODS: One hundred and ninety patients undergoing sphincter-preserving TME for Stage I-III rectal cancer completed the MSK-BFI and LARS-Q simultaneously at a median time of 12 (range 1-43) months after restoration of bowel continuity. Associations between the MSK-BFI total/subscale scores and the LARS-Q score were investigated using Spearman rank correlation (r s ). Discriminant validity for the two questionnaires was assessed, and the questionnaires were compared with the European Quality of Life Instrument. RESULTS: Major LARS was identified in 62% of patients. The median MSK-BFI scores for no LARS, minor LARS and major LARS were 76.5, 70 and 57, respectively. We found a strong association between MSK-BFI and LARS-Q (r s -0.79). The urgency/soilage subscale (r s -0.7) and the frequency subscale (rs -0.68) of MSK-BFI strongly correlated with LARS-Q. Low correlation was observed between the MSK-BFI diet subscale and LARS-Q (r s -0.39). On multivariate analysis, both questionnaires showed worse bowel function in patients with distal tumours. A low to moderate correlation with the European Quality of Life Instrument was observed for both questionnaires. CONCLUSIONS: The MSK-BFI and LARS-Q showed good correlation and similar discriminant validity. As the LARS-Q is easier to complete, it may be considered the preferred tool to screen for bowel dysfunction.

Systematic screening for late sequelae after colorectal cancer-a feasibility study.

AIM: The aim of this study was to test the feasibility of a new method for systematic screening for late sequelae (LS) following colorectal cancer treatment. METHOD: Patients with colorectal cancer from five Danish hospitals were invited to complete a survey about LS at 3, 12, 24 and 36 months after surgery as part of their follow-up. The survey consisted primarily of validated tools, supplemented by a few ad hoc items, measuring bowel, urinary and sexual dysfunction, pain and quality of life and an additional question regarding request for contact. Patients completed surveys electronically or on paper. RESULTS: Of the 1721 invited patients, 1386 (80.5%) were included (1085 with colon cancer and 301 with rectal cancer) of whom 72.5% responded electronically. Patients responding electronically were 7.6 years younger than those responding on paper (P < 0.001). Since some patients answered more than once, the dataset consisted of 2361 surveys. Patients with colon cancer requested phone contact in 19.0% of the surveys, and 8.4% were referred to treatment for LS, primarily bowel dysfunction. Among patients with rectal cancer, 30.8% requested phone contact and 16.2% were referred for treatment of LS, mainly due to bowel and sexual dysfunction. CONCLUSION: This is the first paper investigating a new method of systematic screening for LS following colorectal cancer using electronic patient-reported outcome measures. The study shows that in the Danish population a high response rate can be obtained with this method and that close to three-quarters of patients respond electronically. Patients with rectal cancer had a higher need for phone contact and treatment of LS than patients with colon cancer.

Long-term gastrointestinal sequelae in colon cancer survivors: prospective pilot study on identification, the need for clinical evaluation and effects of treatment.

AIM: The aim of the present pilot study was to describe the type and frequency of long-term gastrointestinal symptoms within a well-defined cohort of colon cancer survivors, their wish for clinical evaluation and treatment outcomes. METHOD: A screening survey was sent to colon cancer survivors 12, 24 and 36 months after surgery. Based on their main symptoms, patients who wished to have a consultation were referred to the gastroenterological or surgical unit of our late cancer sequelae clinic. Treatment effect was monitored by questionnaires on bowel symptoms and the EuroQol five-dimensional (EQ-5D) quality-of-life score. RESULTS: Overall, 953 patients who had survived colon cancer received the screening survey and 767 replied (response rate 80.5%). Of these, 76 (9.9%; 95% CI 7.9%-12.2%) were referred for algorithm-based clinical evaluation and treatment of bowel dysfunction. The majority were women (69.7%) who had undergone a right-sided colonic resection (65.8%). Patients reported various symptoms, mainly including urgency, fragmented defaecation, loose stools and incontinence for liquid stools. Patients with emptying difficulties and low anterior resection syndrome-like symptoms were referred to the surgical unit and patients with diarrhoea were referred to the gastroenterological unit for clinical work-up. Our main endpoint, mean EQ-5D index after treatment, was improved compared with baseline (baseline 0.809, after treatment 0.846; p = 0.049). After treatment, self-rated bowel function and several bowel symptoms were improved as well. CONCLUSION: This study highlights the importance of identifying colon cancer survivors in need of treatment of late gastrointestinal sequelae and clinical management in a multidisciplinary team setting.

Impact on Fertility After Failure of Restorative Proctocolectomy in Men and Women With Ulcerative Colitis: A 17-Year Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: Impact of restorative proctocolectomy failure on fertility has not been studied and is greatly relevant. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of restorative proctocolectomy failure on birth rate in women and men, along with in vitro fertilization incidence and success. DESIGN: This was a retrospective registry-based cohort study over 17 years. SETTINGS: Records for parenting a child were cross-linked with patient records. In women, in vitro fertilization records were cross-linked. All data were prospectively registered. PATIENTS: Patients of fertile age with ulcerative colitis between 1994 and 2010 were identified in Danish national databases. Patients with restorative proctocolectomy and restorative proctocolectomy failure were identified as subgroups. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Birth rate ratios and in vitro fertilization incidence and success were measured. RESULTS: We included 11,939 women and 13,569 men with ulcerative colitis. A total of 711 women and 730 men had restorative proctocolectomy; 114 women and 90 men had failure. Birth rate in women with failure was significantly reduced compared with women without (birth rate ratio = 0.50 (95% CI, 0.29-0.82)). In men with failure, birth rate tended to be lower compared with men without (birth rate ratio = 0.74 (95% CI, 0.51-1.05)). In vitro fertilization incidence was similar with and without failure (HRs adjusted for age at start of follow-up = 0.98 (95% CI, 0.58-1.67]). In vitro fertilization success was significantly lower with failure compared with ulcerative colitis (OR adjusted for age at start of follow-up = 0.36 (95% CI, 0.4-0.92)). LIMITATIONS: Information on patients leading up to restorative proctocolectomy failure is lacking. Failure patients may have had children during a period with pouch function. Therefore, the impact of failure may be underestimated. CONCLUSIONS: Restorative proctocolectomy failure impairs birth rate, primarily in women. Although in vitro fertilization incidence is similar in women with and without failure, the likelihood of giving birth after in vitro fertilization is reduced. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/B202. IMPACTO SOBRE LA FERTILIDAD DESPUéS DEL FRACASO DE LA PROCTOCOLECTOMíA RESTAURADORA EN HOMBRES Y MUJERES CON COLITIS ULCEROSA: UN ESTUDIO DE COHORTE DE 17 AñOS: No se ha estudiado el impacto de la falla de la proctocolectomía restauradora en la fertilidad y es muy relevante.Evaluar el impacto del fracaso de la proctocolectomía restauradora en la tasa de natalidad en mujeres y hombres, junto con la incidencia y el éxito de la fertilización in vitro.Estudio de cohorte retrospectivo basado en el registro de más de 17 años.Los registros de crianza de un niño se cruzaron con los registros de pacientes. En las mujeres, los registros de fertilización in vitro se cruzarón. Todos los datos se regitraron de forma prospectiva.Los pacientes de edad fértil con colitis ulcerosa entre 1994-2010 fueron identificados en las bases de datos nacionales danesas. Los pacientes con proctocolectomía restauradora y fracaso de la proctocolectomía restauradora se identificaron como subgrupos.Tasas de natalidad e incidencia y éxito de la fertilización in vitro.Se incluyeron 11939 mujeres y 13569 hombres con colitis ulcerosa. 711 mujeres y 730 hombres tuvieron proctocolectomía restauradora; 114 mujeres y 90 hombres tuvieron fracaso. La tasa de natalidad en las mujeres con fracaso se redujo significativamente en comparación con las mujeres sin fracaso (tasa de natalidad: 0,50; IC del 95% [0,29; 0,82]). En los hombres con fracaso, la tasa de natalidad tendió a ser más baja en comparación con los hombres sin fracaso (tasa de natalidad: 0,74; IC del 95% [0,51; 1,05]). La incidencia de fertilización in vitro fue similar con y sin falla (aHR: 0.98, IC 95% [0.58; 1.67]). El éxito de la fertilización in vitro fue significativamente menor con el fracaso en comparación con la colitis ulcerosa (aOR: 0.36 IC 95% [0.4; 0.92]).Falta información sobre los pacientes que conducen al fracaso de la proctocolectomía restauradora. Los pacientes con fracaso pueden haber tenido hijos durante un período con función de bolsa. Por lo tanto, el impacto del fracaso puede ser subestimado.El fracaso de la proctocolectomía restauradora afecta la tasa de natalidad, principalmente en mujeres. Aunque la incidencia de la fertilización in vitro es similar en las mujeres con y sin fracaso, la probabilidad de dar a luz después de la fertilización in vitro se reduce. Consulte Video Resumen en http://links.lww.com/DCR/B202. (Traducción-Dr Gonzalo Hagerman).