Comparison of hazard of death following surgery for colon versus rectal cancer.

INTORDUCTION: Prognosis in cancer is usually assessed by use of Kaplan-Meier survival function estimate curves, which reflect survival, or the proportion of patients that will remain alive after a particular event at a given time. By contrast, hazard function represents the proportion expected to be deceased among those surviving at a given time after an event. Objectives To evaluate survival and hazard of death, in patients with colon cancer (CC) and rectal cancer (RC), as indices of prognosis. METHODS: Colon and rectal cancer patients who underwent surgical resection with curative intent from 1996 to 2011 were studied. The hazard of death and survival patterns were assessed with Weibull Hazard models and Kaplan- Meier survival function estimate curves. RESULTS: There were 119 CC and 250 RC patients included in the study. Median (Inter-quartile range: IQR) age of both groups was 58 (49 - 66.5) years. The median (IQR) followup time was 30 (12 - 72) months for CC and 30 (13 - 70) months for RC. Both groups were similar in comparison with regard to age (p=0.96), gender (p=0.56), tumour stage (p=0.33), vascular invasion (p=0.69), lymphatic invasion (p=0.33), perineural invasion (p=0.94), degree of tumour differentiation (p=0.38) and preoperative carcinoembryonic antigen levels (p=0.77). CC showed better overall survival compared to RC (p=0.03) with a 5-year survival rate of 72% versus 60% respectively. After curative resection, CC showed a 6% decrease in hazard of death with time compared with RC which showed a 1% increase in the hazard of death with time. CONCLUSIONS: Among patients who underwent resectional surgery, CC had a better prognosis than RC.

IL8 polymorphisms and overall survival in pazopanib- or sunitinib-treated patients with renal cell carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: We evaluated germline single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) for association with overall survival (OS) in pazopanib- or sunitinib-treated patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma (aRCC). METHODS: The discovery analysis tested 27 SNPs within 13 genes from a phase III pazopanib trial (N=241, study 1). Suggestive associations were then pursued in two independent datasets: a phase III trial (COMPARZ) comparing pazopanib vs sunitinib (N=729, study 2) and an observational study of sunitinib-treated patients (N=89, study 3). RESULTS: In study 1, four SNPs showed nominally significant association (P≤0.05) with OS; two of these SNPs (rs1126647, rs4073) in IL8 were associated (P≤0.05) with OS in study 2. Because rs1126647 and rs4073 were highly correlated, only rs1126647 was evaluated in study 3, which also showed association (P≤0.05). In the combined data, rs1126647 was associated with OS after conservative multiple-test adjustment (P=8.8 × 10(-5); variant vs reference allele hazard ratio 1.32, 95% confidence interval: 1.15-1.52), without evidence for heterogeneity of effects between studies or between pazopanib- and sunitinib-treated patients. CONCLUSIONS: Variant alleles of IL8 polymorphisms are associated with poorer survival outcomes in pazopanib- or sunitinib-treated patients with aRCC. These findings provide insight in aRCC prognosis and may advance our thinking in development of new therapies.

Translation, cross-cultural adaptation, and validation of the Duke Activity Status Index (DASI) to Sinhala language.

BACKGROUND: Duke Activity Status Index (DASI) is a widely used tool to assess functional capacity among patients, but there is no Sinhala version validated for patients in Sri Lanka. This study aimed to cross-culturally adapt and test the validity and reliability of the Sinhala version of DASI (DASI-S). METHODS: The translation and cross-cultural adaptation of the DASI questionnaire were conducted following the standard guidelines. It was pre-tested on ten pre-operative patients and further modified. The construct validity and reliability of DASI-S were evaluated by administering the modified final DASI-S, which comprised 12 items, along with the physical functioning sub-scale of the 36-item short-form health survey (SF-36), consisting of 10 items to eighty-one patients who were awaiting non-cardiac surgeries at university surgical wards, National Hospital of Sri Lanka (NHSL), and Colombo North Teaching Hospital (CNTH), Sri Lanka. Reliability was assessed through Cronbach alpha, while the validity was evaluated using factor analysis and Spearman's correlation. The ethical approval was obtained from the Ethics Review Committee, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo, Sri Lanka. RESULTS: The mean age of the participants was 46.2 (± 16.6) years and the majority were females (54.3%). The mean height, weight, and body mass index of the sample were 160.5 (± 9.6) cm, 60.3 (± 11.9) kg, and 23.4 (± 4.5) kgm-2 respectively. The Cronbach's alpha coefficient for the internal consistency of DASI-S was 0.861. The concurrent validity of DASI-S was substantiated by positively correlating (p < 0.01, rs = 0.466) with the physical sub-scale of SF-36. There was a significant difference (p < 0.01) in the total score of DASI-S between the two age groups. CONCLUSIONS: Sinhala version of the DASI appears to be a valid, reliable and easy-to-administer tool to assess functional capacity among patients who are awaiting non-cardiac surgeries.

Uses of a familial adenomatous polyposis registry.

OBJECTIVES: To improve the prognosis of patients with familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) by early diagnosis and prophylactic treatment through a coordinated FAP register. DESIGN: The establishment and descriptive analysis of the prospective database of the FAP registry. SETTING: University surgical unit, Colombo North Teaching Hospital Ragama, Sri Lanka. PATIENTS: Probands were identified by tracing all diagnosed FAP patients from 1996 to 2010 and their family members at risk. INTERVENTIONS: The establishment of a polyposis register included the following stages: ascertainment of probands (first contact symptomatic FAP patients), construction of pedigrees, counselling relatives and prophylactic screening of family members at risk, treatment and follow up. RESULTS: Twenty seven enrolled probands (12 male and 15 female, age 11-52 years, median age 34 years) were investigated. Pedigree analyses showed 206 relatives at risk. Twenty four family members at risk were screened of a total of 51 registered individuals. The rate of spontaneous mutations was 41%. Thirty five were diagnosed with FAP. Eight were screen detected (median age - 32 years) and 27 symptomatic (median age - 34 years). Concomitant colorectal cancer was detected in 17 (63%) symptomatic individuals and in 1 (13%) screen detected individual. Colectomy was performed in 27 (77%) patients while 8 (23%) are on chemoprophylaxis. Congenital hypertrophic retinal pigment epithelium was detected in 15. Desmoids tumours (6%) and other extraintestinal manifestations including osteomas, sebacious cysts and dental abnormalities (34%) were also detected. A thyroid gland malignancy was screen detected while retinoblastoma, hepatoblastoma and cerebral tumours were seen in pedigrees. CONCLUSIONS: A polyposis register may improve prognosis of FAP by early detection. It will help coordinate, optimise and streamline clinical management of patients with FAP and their relatives at risk.

Local recurrence of rectal cancer in patients not receiving neoadjuvant therapy - the importance of resection margins.

OBJECTIVES: Local recurrence of rectal cancer reduces quality of life and survival. A multi-factorial linear logistic model was used to analyse risk factors for local recurrence in rectal cancer in patients not receiving preoperative chemo-radiation. METHODS: A case-control study of patients with rectal cancer having surgery with curative intent, between 1996 and 2008. Eighteen putative risk factors for local recurrence were subjected to uni-variate analysis. Significant factors were selected for multi-factorial analysis. RESULTS: Twenty-one patients with local recurrence (cases) and 78 controls were selected. Uni-variate analysis showed significant associations with recurrence for nodal stage (N) (p=0.027), metastasis (M) (p=0.009), adjuvant chemotherapy (p=0.039), positive resection margin (R) (p=0.018) and American Joint Committee for Cancer (AJCC) tumours above stage II (p=0.043). Significant uni-variate odds ratios (OR) were obtained for the same factors. Two linear logistic models were fitted as (1) N, M, R1 status and adjuvant chemotherapy and (2) AJCC stage, R1 status and adjuvant chemotherapy. From both models, the only factor significantly associated (p ≤ 0.01) with local recurrence was found to be a positive resection margin (OR 4.81 and 5.51 respectively). CONCLUSIONS: A positive resection margin is the single factor affecting local recurrence of rectal cancer in patients not receiving neo-adjuvant therapy.

Structural analysis of the human immunodeficiency virus-binding domain of CD4. Epitope mapping with site-directed mutants and anti-idiotypes.

The CD4 molecule, a differentiation marker expressed primarily by T lymphocytes, plays an important role in lymphocyte activation. CD4 is also the receptor for HIV. A number of recent studies have localized the high affinity binding site of the HIV envelope glycoprotein, gp120, to the NH2-terminal (V1) domain of CD4, a region with sequence and predicted structural homology with Ig kappa chain V domains (V kappa). In this report, we show that V1 bears structural similarities with V kappa regions through detailed epitope mapping of 26 CD4 mAbs. The binding sites of these mAbs were initially defined relative to one another by crossblocking analysis and were then localized to specific domains of CD4 in blocking studies with truncated, soluble CD4 proteins. The epitopes within the V1 domain were mapped in detail with a panel of 17 substitution mutants, and the specificities of several mAbs that appear to recognize very similar epitopes were examined in crossblocking studies with anti-idiotype antibodies. The location of the epitopes is consistent with a V kappa-like structure of V1. Most of the epitopes lie within regions of predicted exposed loops. A number of these epitopes span discontinuous residues in the linear sequence that lies in close proximity in an Ig fold. Alignment of CD4 V1 with the Ig V kappa chains places these epitopes within stretches corresponding to the complimentarity-determining regions. This epitope analysis is relevant for a vaccine strategy for HIV based on anti-idiotype antibodies to CD4 mAbs and for studies with CD4 antibodies on the role of CD4 in T lymphocyte activation.

Modified dynamic gracilis neosphincter for fecal incontinence: an analysis of functional outcome at a single institution.

BACKGROUND: We undertook a prospective longitudinal study of patients with end-stage fecal incontinence who were undergoing transposition of the gracilis muscle as a neo-anal sphincter with external low-frequency electrical stimulation of the nerve to the gracilis combined with biofeedback. METHODS: A total of 31 patients (21 male, 10 female: median age: 22 years; range: 4-77 years) underwent this procedure for treatment of traumatic disruption (11 patients, 35%), congenital atresia (11 patients, 35%), iatrogenic injury (6-20%), and perineal sepsis (3 patients, 10%). The gracilis muscle was transposed at operation in an alpha or gamma configuration. Low-frequency (7 Hz) transcutaneous electrical stimulation commenced 2 weeks after operation and was continued for up to 12 weeks. Biofeedback therapy, which consisted of supervised neosphincter squeeze exercises, commenced simultaneously and continued for up to 28 weeks. Outcome was assessed by clinical examination, anal manometry, the Cleveland Clinic Florida continence score (CCFS), and the Rockwood quality of life scale (FIQL). Successful outcome was defined by improvement in clinical outcome, patient satisfaction, a positive result on anal manometry, and/or CCFS < 9, or FIQL > or = 4. RESULTS: At median follow-up of 67 months, overall improvement was seen in 22 (71%). Maximum resting pressure (MRP) and maximum squeeze pressure (MSP) improved significantly after operation [MRP pre versus post, mean (SD), cm water-13.8 (9.6) versus 20.9 (11.3); P = 0.01; and MSP 36.6 (22.4) versus 95.4 (71.2), P = 0.001]. In a subset of 18 patients who showed improvement after operation, the CCFS score (mean, SD) improved from 19.2 (3.4) to 5.2 (5.6); P = 0.0001. FIQL (mean, SD) showed significant improvement in all four domains in 14 patients who reported improvement since the year 2000. CONCLUSIONS: A modified dynamic gracilis neoanal sphincter for end-stage fecal incontinence helps restore and sustain continence with improvement in quality of life in the majority of patients. The procedure was most effective as augmentation in those who had suffered a traumatic injury, when compared with patients with congenital atresia and sepsis that had resulted in loss of the native anal sphincter.

Young patients with colorectal cancer have poor survival in the first twenty months after operation and predictable survival in the medium and long-term: analysis of survival and prognostic markers.

OBJECTIVES: This study compares clinico-pathological features in young (<40 years) and older patients (>50 years) with colorectal cancer, survival in the young and the influence of pre-operative clinical and histological factors on survival. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A twelve year prospective database of colorectal cancer was analysed. Fifty-three young patients were compared with forty seven consecutive older patients over fifty years old. An analysis of survival was undertaken in young patients using Kaplan Meier graphs, non parametric methods, Cox's Proportional Hazard Ratios and Weibull Hazard models. RESULTS: Young patients comprised 13.4 percent of 397 with colorectal cancer. Duration of symptoms and presentation in the young was similar to older patients (median, range; young patients; 6 months, 2 weeks to 2 years, older patients; 4 months, 4 weeks to 3 years, p > 0.05). In both groups, the majority presented without bowel obstruction (young--81%, older--94%). Cancer proximal to the splenic flexure was present more in young than in older patients. Synchronous cancers were found exclusively in the young. Mucinous tumours were seen in 16% of young and 4% of older patients (p < 0.05). Ninety four percent of young cancer deaths were within 20 months of operation. At median follow up of 50 months in the young, overall survival was 70% and disease free survival 66%. American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) stage 4 and use of pre-operative chemoradiation in rectal cancer was associated with poor survival in the young. CONCLUSION: If patients, who are less than 40 years old with colorectal cancer, survive twenty months after operation, the prognosis improves and their survival becomes predictable.

Patients with rectal cancer having neoadjuvant chemoradiation do not have increased complications of ileostomy closure.

OBJECTIVES: It is conceivable that reversal of an ileostomy after low anterior resection following neoadjuvant therapy (NAT) may involve anastomosis of small bowel exposed to irradiation. The aim was to evaluate peri-operative complications of ileostomy closure and to compare the histology of ileal mucosa in excised stomas in patients who received NAT with those without NAT. METHODS: Twenty patients who underwent rectal excision following NAT for cancer, were compared with 20 control patients who underwent rectal excision without NAT. All patients received a diverting loop ileostomy which was subsequently reversed with excision of the ileostomy. The clinical outcome and histopathological features after reversal were evaluated. RESULTS: There was no significant difference with regard to peri-operative complications such as post-operative deaths related to ileostomy closure, anastomotic leakage, retraction of stoma or small bowel fistulae. Resection margins revealed no significant difference in crypt distortion, depletion of mucin, acute inflammation, chronic inflammation and infiltration of eosinophils following NAT compared with controls. CONCLUSIONS: Neoadjuvant therapy for rectal cancer does not result in higher morbidity following closure of diverting loop ileostomy or result in significant inflammatory changes in the ileum. Therefore ileostomy closure is as safe in those with preoperative radiotherapy as in those without neoadjuvant therapy.

Detection of micrometastases in lymph nodes using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) for cytokeratin 20 (CK-20)--a pilot study.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to detect micrometastases in lymph nodes in patients with rectal cancer following neoadjuvant therapy, staged node negative by routine histology. PATIENTS AND SETTING: Mesenteric lymph nodes from patients who have undergone neoadjuvant therapy for rectal cancer were harvested during surgery. Nodes were bisected and one half was sent for haematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining and evaluated by a single pathologist. The other half was examined for CK20 by RT-PCR. The technique was validated by testing mesenteric lymph nodes with known metastases and nodes from patients without cancer. Twenty one lymph nodes from 6 patients (median age 46 years, range 25-55) which were negative for tumour deposits by H & E stain were assessed for micro-metastases. RESULTS: All 21 nodes which were histologically negative for metastases were positive for micrometastases. Two nodes with known metastases were positive for CK20 and 3 nodes from non cancer patients were negative for CK20. CONCLUSIONS: Detection of CK20 is accurate in identification of rectal cancer micro-metastasing to lymph nodes. Assessment of nodes by H & E histology risks under staging.

Gracilis muscle as neoanal sphincter for faecal incontinence.

Faecal incontinence is a debilitating chronic clinical condition which may affect the patient and care givers. Modality of treatment is based on severity of the symptoms as well as the anatomical defect itself, availability of resources and expertise. We describe a modified technique of dynamic graciloplasty as neoanal sphincter for the treatment severe faecal incontinence who has failed previous over lapping sphincteroplasty. In our modified version, instead of using implanted intramuscular electrodes and subcutaneous neurostimulator to provide continuous stimulation, the patient will undergo an external stimulation on the nerve of transplanted gracilis periodically and concurrent biofeedback therapy. We believe the technique is relatively easy to learn and very cost effective without any electrodes or neurostimulator related complications.

Histopathology reporting in colorectal cancer: a proforma improves quality.

AIM: The histopathology report is vital to determine the need for adjuvant therapy and prognosis in colorectal cancer (CRC). Completeness of those in text format is inadequate. This study evaluated the improvement of quality of histopathology reports following the introduction of a template proforma, based on standards set by the Royal College of Pathologists (RCP), UK. METHOD: Sixty-eight consecutive histopathology reports based on 19 items for rectal cancer (RC) and 15 items for colon cancer (CC) using the proforma were prospectively analysed and compared with results of a previous audit of 82 consecutive histopathology reports in text format. The percentage of reports containing a statement for each data item for both series was compared using the Normal test for difference between two proportions. Completeness of each report was assessed and a percentage score (percentage completeness) was given. Mean percentage completeness was calculated for each format and compared using the two sample t-test. RESULTS: Except for comments on the presence of 'histologically confirmed liver metastases' in CC and RC, 'distance from dentate line' and 'distance to circumferential margin' in RC, all other items were commented in more than 90% of reports, where 71% of the items based on the minimum data set were present in all reports. Compared to prose format, the mean percentage completeness (SD) improved from 74% (8) to 91% (4) (P < 0.0001) and from 81% (5) to 99% (1) (P < 0.0001) for RC and CC respectively in template proforma format. CONCLUSION: A template proforma and surgeon's contribution in relation to operative findings improves the quality of the histopathology report in CRC.

A new technique for suture rectopexy without resection for rectal prolapse.

BACKGROUND: We surmised that if rectopexy was performed without dissection of the lateral rectal stalks in patients with full-thickness rectal prolapse and normal preoperative transit, sigmoid resection may not be required. This study evaluated a new approach to abdominal suture rectopexy for rectal prolapse. METHODS: A total of 81 patients (57 male, 24 female; median age 37 years, range 5-82 years) with rectal prolapse were assessed by clinical examination, anal manometry (maximum resting pressure, MRP, and squeeze pressure, MSP) and radioopaque marker transit studies. Of the 81 patients, 70 with normal preoperative transit underwent suture fixation alone, without resection, performed under spinal anaesthesia, through a 7-cm transverse left lower quadrant incision gaining access to the presacral space via a left pararectal "window", preserving the lateral stalks. RESULTS: Average surgical time was 50 min, mortality was zero, and morbidity was 9% (three patients with wound infection, four with urinary retention). Anal incontinence improved in 43 of 53 patients (81%, p=0.001). MRP and MSP had improved at 3 months after surgery: MRP from a mean of 27.6+/-1.4 mmHg (range 2-30 mmHg) before surgery to 32.5+/-2.21 mmHg (2-60 mmHg) after surgery (p=0.008); MSP from 69.25+/-6.4 mmHg (8-153 mmHg) before surgery to 79+/-4.77 mmHg (35-157 mmHg) after surgery (p=0.001).. Transit was unchanged in 18 of 20 patients (90%) who were evaluated before and after surgery; none was constipated after surgery. At 56 months, prolapse had recurred in five patients (7%). CONCLUSION: Abdominal suture rectopexy with a left pararectal approach without sigmoid resection in those with normal preoperative transit resulted in an improvement in anal incontinence and satisfactory long-term control of prolapse. The operation did not alter transit and did not result in significant constipation.

Consideration of the blood supply of the ileocecal segment in valve preserving right hemicolectomy.

The ileocecal valve (ICV) is known to control the flow of chyme and to prevent bacterial colonization of the small intestine. Preservation of this segment during right hemicolectomy is likely to prevent loss of its function. This study aimed at evaluating the arterial supply of the ICV to help preserve the valve during right hemicolectomy. Fifty-four fresh human cadavers (37 male, 17 female; median age: 54 years, range: 18-90 years) were studied after relatives gave written, informed consent. At postmortem, 20 cm of terminal ileum with the ileocecal segment and up to 20 cm of ascending colon were removed en bloc with its mesentery and blood supply. The ileocolic artery was cannulated and injected with 10 ml of water-soluble red dye under pressure. The arterial supply was dissected to demonstrate a pattern. In all, the ICV was supplied by the ileocolic artery, a branch of the superior mesenteric, which divided into an anterior and a posterior cecal artery. A marginal branch of the right colic was noted to contribute to ICV blood supply in only two (4%). Furthermore, study of the anastomosis at the ICV showed that the anterior cecal artery was present in all (100%), posterior cecal in 48 (89%), and recurrent ileal artery in 53 (98%). A rich anastomosis between vessels at the ICV; small "windows," short tributaries, were seen in 38 (70%), whereas a poor anastomotic network at the ICV; large "windows," long tributaries, between these vessels were seen in 12 (22%). In four (8%), we were unable to clearly determine between rich and poor anastomotic networks. Other variants included, absent posterior cecal artery in six (11%) and absent recurrent ileal artery in one (2%). The ICV has a predictable blood supply in the majority of patients. Preservation of the anterior cecal artery would ensure a vascularized ICV in right hemicolectomy.

Functionalized graphene oxide coating on Ti6Al4V alloy for improved biocompatibility and corrosion resistance.

The present study focused on the development of magnesium-functionalized graphene oxide (FGO) coating on titanium alloy (Ti6Al4V) by electrophoretic deposition. Graphene oxide (GO) was synthesized by modified Hummers' method and functionalized with magnesium ions. X-ray diffraction, infrared spectroscopy (IR) and Raman spectroscopy were employed to confirm the synthesis of GO and GO-coatings on Ti6Al4V. Functionalization of GO with Mg ions was confirmed by energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The surface morphology of coated samples was examined through scanning electron microscopy. Reduction of FGO coating (labelled as rFGO) by heating at 200 °C was confirmed by IR. The rFGO coated Ti6Al4V was found to be hydrophilic in nature as determined by contact angle measurement which showed reduction in the contact angle of Ti6Al4V from 95.4° to 42.1°. The percent cell viability over the coated sample was appreciably improved compared to as-received Ti6Al4V sample owing to hydrophilicity of the former. The positive shift in open circuit potential and increase in polarization resistance was observed after coating Ti6Al4V samples with FGO. The significant decrease in the corrosion current density and negative polarization loop in the reverse scan of samples also confirmed the improved corrosion resistance of rFGO-coated Ti6Al4V over uncoated Ti6Al4V in the PBS solution. Furthermore, the impedance spectroscopy revealed that the preferential adsorption of ionic species (indicated by large Rads) at the surface improved the barrier characteristics of rFGO coated samples and exhibited an order of magnitude higher Rct compared to as-received samples.

Sexual and urinary dysfunction following rectal dissection compared with segmental colectomy.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to assess the impact of nerve sparing surgery and major abdominal surgery on sexual and urinary function in men and women with colorectal cancer undergoing rectal dissection and segmental colectomy. METHOD: Forty-eight patients (group A: 22 males, 26 females; median age 55 years) undergoing rectal dissection were compared with 24 having segmental colectomy (group B: 12 male, 12 female; median age 55 years). Preoperative data were also compared with age- and gender-matched controls (group C). RESULTS: More patients after rectal dissection vs segmental colectomy had urinary tract infections [15 (31%) vs 3 (17.5%), P = 0.04]. At 37 months, urinary dysfunction after rectal excision was seen in 29 (60%; 20 men) vs nine (37.5%; eight men) after segmental colectomy. Postoperative urinary symptoms were significant in group A, but not in group B (pre: vs post; groups A and B: poor stream--13%vs 38%, P = 0.001 and 21%vs 21%, P = NS; incontinence--4.2%vs 17%, P = 0.008 and 8%vs 8%, P = NS; hesitancy--13%vs 35%, P = 0.034 and 17%vs 21%, P = NS). Sexual health was worse after rectal excision compared with segmental colectomy (men--62.5%, women--25%vs 44% of men) respectively. Erectile dysfunction was the chief cause (rectal excision--50%vs segmental colectomy - 33%). After rectal excision, 6% of women had dyspareunia and 19% reported reduced orgasm but none after segmental colectomy. Conclusion More men than women had urinary and sexual impairment after rectal excision than after segmental colectomy. Its aetiology is multifactorial.

Complications of loop ileostomy and ileostomy closure and their implications for extended enterostomal therapy: a prospective clinical study.

INTRODUCTION: Patients who have a temporary loop ileostomy have impaired quality of life. Complications associated with a loop ileostomy or ileostomy closure will impair patients' quality of life further and require extended enterostomal therapy. We performed a prospective audit of loop ileostomy to ascertain the nature of the workload that may be created with ileostomy-related complications. PATIENTS AND METHODS: One hundred and forty patients (67 males, 73 females, median age 50 years, range 5-90 years) who received a temporary loop ileostomy were analysed after completion of proformas on a prospective basis between 1999 and 2006. RESULTS: Operation was performed for rectal cancer 100 (71%), familial adenomatous polyposis 14 (10%), ulcerative colitis 21 (15%) and for trauma or Hirchsprung's disease 5 (3%). Complications of loop ileostomy were: retraction 1 (0.7%), ileostomy flux 11 (8%), stomal prolapse 1 (0.7%), parastomal hernia 1 (0.7%), paraileostomy abscess 4 (3%) and severe skin excoriation 9 (6%). The loop ileostomy was reversed in 117 (83%) at a median (range) of 13 weeks (1-60). Ileostomy closure-related complications were: small bowel fistula 1 (0.9%), small bowel obstruction 5 (4.3%) and a stitch sinus in 1 (0.9%). Five women developed recto-vaginal fistula (n=3; 2.6%), pouch-vaginal fistula (n=1; 0.9%) and pouch-anal fistula (n=1; 0.9%) that required extended enterostomal therapy, after loop ileostomy reversal. CONCLUSION: Nineteen percent of patients following creation of a loop ileostomy and 10.5% of patients after reversal of the ileostomy required extended enterostomal care by a specialized enterostomal therapist, which supported resumption of a normal life.

Colorectal cancer burden and trends in a South Asian cohort: experience from a regional tertiary care center in Sri Lanka.

OBJECTIVE: Colorectal cancer (CRC) burden is increasing in the south Asian region due to the changing socio-economic landscape and population demographics. There is a lack of robust high quality data from this region in order to evaluate the disease pattern and comparison. Using generalized linear models assuming Poisson distribution and model fitting, authors describe the variation in the landscape of CRC burden along time since 1997 at a regional tertiary care center in Sri Lanka. RESULTS: Analyzing 679 patients, it is observed that both colon and rectal cancers have significantly increased over time (pre 2000-61, 2000 to 2004-178, 2005 to 2009-190, 2010 to 2014-250; P < 0.05). Majority of the cancers were left sided (82%) while 77% were rectosigmoid. Over 25% of all CRC were diagnosed in patients less than 50 years and the median age at diagnosis is < 62 years. Increasing trend is seen in the stage at presentation while 33% of the rectal cancers received neoadjuvant chemoradiation. Left sided preponderance, younger age at presentation and advanced stage at presentation was observed. CRC disease pattern in the South Asian population may vary from that observed in the western population which has implications on disease surveillance and treatment.

Electrochemical & osteoblast adhesion study of engineered TiO2 nanotubular surfaces on titanium alloys.

TiO2 nanotubes were grafted on the surface of cpTi, Ti6Al4V and Ti6Al4V-ELI with the aim to provide a new podium for human pre-osteoblast cell (MC3T3) adhesion and proliferation. The surface morphology and chemistry of these alloys were examined with scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy. TiO2 nanotubes were further characterized by cyclic potentiodynamic polarization tests and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The vertically aligned nanotubes were subjected to pre-osteoblast cell proliferation in order to better understand cell-material interaction. The study demonstrated that these cells interact differently with nanotubes of different titanium alloys. The significant acceleration in the growth rate of pre-osteoblast cell adhesion and proliferation is also witnessed. Additionally, the cytotoxicity of the leached metal ions was evaluated by using a tetrazolium-based bio-assay, MTS. Each group of data was operated for p<0.05, concluded one way ANOVA to investigate the significance difference.