Does the level of inferior mesenteric artery ligation affect short-term and long-term outcomes of patients with sigmoid colon cancer or rectal cancer? A single-center retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: For sigmoid colon or rectal cancer, a definite consensus regarding the optimal level ligating the inferior mesenteric artery (IMA) has not been reached. We performed this study to determine whether the ligation level significantly affected short-term and long-term outcomes of patients with sigmoid colon or rectal cancer after curative laparoscopic surgery. METHODS: Medical records of patients with sigmoid colon or rectal cancer who had undergone curative laparoscopic surgery between January 2008 and December 2014 at the Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine were reviewed. Then, the high tie group (HTG) was compared with the low tie group (LTG) in terms of short-term and long-term outcomes. RESULTS: Five-hundred ninety patients were included. No significant differences between two groups regarding baseline characteristics existed. HTG had a significantly higher risk of anastomotic fistula than LTG (21/283 vs 11/307, P = 0.040). Additionally, high ligation was proven by multivariate logistic regression analysis to be an independent factor for anastomotic fistula (P = 0.038, OR = 2.232, 95% CI: 1.047-4.758). Furthermore, LT resulted in better preserved urinary function. However, LTG was not significantly different from HTG regarding operative time (P = 0.075), blood transfusion (P = 1.000), estimated blood loss (P = 0.239), 30-day mortality (P = 1.000), ICU stay (P = 0.674), postoperative hospital stay (days) (P = 0.636), bowel obstruction (P = 0.659), ileus (P = 0.637), surgical site infection (SSI) (P = 0.121), number of retrieved lymph nodes (P = 0.501), and number of metastatic lymph nodes (P = 0.131). Subsequently, it was revealed that level of IMA ligation did not significantly influence overall survival (OS) (P = 0.474) and relapse-free survival (RFS) (P = 0.722). Additionally, it was revealed that ligation level did not significantly affect OS (P = 0.460) and RFS (P = 0.979) of patients with stage 1 cancer, which was also observed among patients with stage 2 or stage 3 cancer. Ultimately, ligation level was not an independent predictive factor for either OS or RFS. CONCLUSIONS: HT resulted in a significantly higher incidence of anastomotic fistula and worse preservation of urinary function. Level of IMA ligation did not significantly affect long-term outcomes of patients with sigmoid colon or rectal cancer after curative laparoscopic surgery.

Idiopathic myointimal hyperplasia of mesenteric veins depicted by barium enema examination, and conventional and magnifying colonoscopy.

A 71-year-old man was admitted to our institution complaining of abdominal pain and constipation. Barium enema examination revealed narrowing, cobble stoning, and longitudinal ulcerations in the sigmoid colon and upper rectum. Conventional colonoscopy, magnifying narrow-band imaging endoscopy, and magnifying chromoendoscopy revealed edematous mucosa, longitudinal ulcerations with luminal narrowing, and multiple pseudopolyps. The histologic examination of the biopsy specimens showed thick-walled (arterialized) capillaries and subendothelial fibrin deposits in the mucosa and submucosa. Based on a preoperative diagnosis of idiopathic myointimal hyperplasia of mesenteric veins (IMHMV), he underwent a laparoscopic resection of the sigmoid colon and upper rectum. The histologic examination of the resected specimens showed marked proliferation of venous walls with marked myointimal thickening and luminal occlusion from the submucosa to the mesentery throughout the entire resected tissue section. The final diagnosis was IMHMV.

Magnetic Resonance Rectal Enema Versus Computed Tomographic Colonography in the Diagnosis of Rectosigmoid Endometriosis.

OBJECTIVES: Rectosigmoid involvement by endometriosis causes intestinal symptoms such as constipation, diarrhea, and dyschezia. A precise diagnosis about the presence, location, and extent of bowel implants is required to plan the most appropriate treatment. The aim of the study was to compare the accuracy of magnetic resonance with distension of the rectosigmoid (MR-e) with computed colonography (CTC) for diagnosing rectosigmoid endometriosis. METHODS: This study was based on the retrospective analysis of a prospectively collected database of patients with suspicion of rectosigmoid endometriosis who underwent both MR-e and CTC, and subsequently were treated by laparoscopy. The findings of imaging techniques were compared with surgical and histological results. RESULTS: Of 90 women included in the study, 44 (48.9%) had rectosigmoid nodules and underwent bowel surgery. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy for the diagnosis of rectosigmoid endometriosis were 88.6%, 93.5%, 92.9%, 89.6%, and 91.1% for CTC, and 93.2%, 97.9%, 97.6%, 93.8%, and 95.6% for MR-e. There was no significant difference in the accuracy of both radiologic examinations for diagnosing rectosigmoid endometriosis (P = 0.344). However, MR-e was more accurate than CTC in estimating the largest diameter of the main rectosigmoid nodule (P < 0.001). The pain perceived by the patients was significantly lower during MR-e than during CTC (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: MR-e and CTC have similar diagnostic performance for the diagnosis of rectosigmoid involvement of endometriosis. However, MR-e is more accurate in the estimation of the largest diameter of main rectosigmoid nodule and more tolerated than CTC.

Robotic Colostomy Takedown in a Patient with Extensive Ventral Hernias and Adhesive Disease.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate a surgical video wherein a robot-assisted colostomy takedown was performed with anastomosis of the descending colon to the rectum after reduction of ventral hernias and extensive lysis of adhesions. DESIGN: Case report and a step-by-step video demonstration of a robot-assisted colostomy takedown and end-to-side anastomosis. SETTING: Tertiary referral center in New Haven, Connecticut. A 64-year-old female was diagnosed with stage IIIA endometrioid endometrial adenocarcinoma in 2015 when she underwent an optimal cytoreductive surgery. In addition, she required resection of the sigmoid colon and a descending end colostomy with Hartmann's pouch, mainly secondary to extensive diverticulitis. After adjuvant chemoradiation, she remained disease free and desired colostomy reversal. Body mass index at the time was 32 kg/m2. Computed tomography of her abdomen and pelvis did not show any evidence of recurrence but was notable for a large ventral hernia and a parastomal hernia. She then underwent a colonoscopy, which was negative for any pathologic condition, except for some narrowing of the distal rectum above the level of the levator ani. INTERVENTIONS: Enterolysis was extensive and took approximately 2 hours. The splenic flexure of the colon had to be mobilized to provide an adequate proximal limb to the anastomosis site. An anvil was then introduced into the distal descending colon through the colostomy site. A robotic stapler was used to seal the colostomy site and detach it from the anterior abdominal wall. Unfortunately, the 28-mm EEA sizer (Covidien, Dublin, Ireland) perforated through the distal rectum, caudal to the stricture site. A substantial length of the distal rectum had to be sacrificed secondary to the perforation, which mandated further mobilization of the splenic flexure. The rectum was then reapproximated with a 3-0 barbed suture in 2 layers. This provided us with approximately 6- to 8-cm distal rectum. An end-to-side anastomosis of the descending colon to the distal rectum was performed. Anastomotic integrity was confirmed using the bubble test. Because of the lower colorectal anastomosis, a protective diverting loop ileostomy was performed. The patient had an uneventful postoperative course. A hypaque enema performed 3 months after the colostomy takedown showed no evidence of anastomotic leak or stricture. The ileostomy was then reversed without any complications. CONCLUSION: Robot-assisted colostomy takedown and anastomosis of the descending colon to rectum were successfully performed. Although there is a paucity of literature examining this technique within gynecologic surgery, the literature on general surgery has supported laparoscopic Hartmann's reversal and has demonstrated improved rates of postoperative complications and incisional hernia and reduced duration of hospitalization [1]. Minimally invasive technique is a feasible alternative to laparotomy for gynecologic oncology patients who undergo colostomy, as long as the patients are recurrence free.

[Diagnosis of duplication of the sigmoid colon prior to surgery:a case study].

A 16-year-old woman identified with colonic distention using chest X-rays visited our hospital. Although abdominal computed tomography (CT), colonoscopy, and barium enema study indicated suspected duplication of the sigmoid colon, the exact portion of communication between the normal colon and the duplicated colon could not be determined. The patient was released, but followed up due to the lack of symptoms. After 7 months, she was urgently re-hospitalized due to the complaint of abdominal pain. Her abdominal CT revealed the wall thickness and distention of the duplication as well as voluminous stool containing barium. After the improvement of her symptoms and on the basis of the inflammatory findings, laparoscopic surgery was performed on the patient. Finally, the lesion was diagnosed as tubular- and continuous-type colonic duplication. Duplication of the colon is a relatively rare occurrence in adulthood. Herein, we report a case of duplication of the sigmoid colon diagnosed prior to surgery in an adult.

Ischemic or toxic injury: A challenging diagnosis and treatment of drug-induced stenosis of the sigmoid colon.

A 48-year-old woman was admitted with 15-mo history of abdominal pain, diarrhea and hematochezia, and 5-mo history of defecation difficulty. She had been successively admitted to nine hospitals, with an initial diagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease with stenotic sigmoid colon. Findings from computed tomography virtual colonoscopy, radiography with meglumine diatrizoate, endoscopic balloon dilatation, metallic stent implantation and later overall colonoscopy, coupled with the newfound knowledge of compound Qingdai pill-taking, led to a subsequent diagnosis of ischemic or toxic bowel disease with sigmoid colon stenosis. The patient was successfully treated by laparoscopic sigmoid colectomy, and postoperative pathological examination revealed ischemic or toxic injury of the sigmoid colon, providing a final diagnosis of drug-induced sigmoid colon stenosis. This case highlights that adequate awareness of drug-induced colon stenosis has a decisive role in avoiding misdiagnosis and mistreatment. The diagnostic and therapeutic experiences learnt from this case suggest that endoscopic balloon expansion and colonic metallic stent implantation as bridge treatments were demonstrated as crucial for the differential diagnosis of benign colonic stenosis. Skillful surgical technique and appropriate perioperative management helped to ensure the safety of our patient in subsequent surgery after long-term use of glucocorticoids.

Mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma with unusual 18F-FDG hypermetabolism arising at the colorectal anastomosis.

Mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma usually originates from the stomach and presents with low 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) avidity with average maximum standard uptake value of 3.6. Colorectal MALT lymphoma is a rare entity that contributes to 1.6% of all MALT lymphomas and < 0.2% of large intestinal malignancies. The case reported herein firstly revealed stage IIE MALT lymphoma with unexpected higher 18F-FDG avidity of 18.9 arising at the colorectal anastomosis in a patient with a surgical history for sigmoid adenocarcinoma, which was strongly suspected as local recurrence before histopathological and immunohistochemical examinations. After accurate diagnosis, the patient received four cycles of standard R-CVP regimen (rituximab, cyclophosphamide, vincristine and prednisone), combined target therapy and chemotherapy, instead of radiotherapy recommended by National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines. He tolerated the treatment well and reached complete remission.

Dolicomegacolon chagásico / Chagasic dolicho-megacolon

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Segmental sigmoid polyposis as a colonoscopic indicator of an ileosigmoid fistula in Crohn's ileitis.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Ileosigmoid fistulas (ISFs) are frequently undiagnosed prior to surgery. This study was designed to describe a polyp or cluster of polyps limited to the sigmoid colon as a marker of ISF in patients with ileitis. This novel finding will increase a gastroenterologist's opportunity to detect them preoperatively and their prognostic implication of worsening ileitis. METHODS: The medical records of patients with Crohn's disease and ISF were reviewed to determine whether colonoscopy had revealed polyposis limited to the sigmoid colon and its frequency. RESULTS: Thirty-seven patients with Crohn's ileitis complicated by ISF were identified from our database. Twenty had one or more sigmoid polyps without polyps elsewhere in the colon suggesting the site of fistula exit. Fifteen of the patients had ISF and five had ileorectal fistula (IRF). The fistula was detected by various means, including colonoscopy, sigmoidoscopy, small bowel X-ray series, barium enema, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance enterography. The ISF was generally diagnosed prior to the recognition and significance of the segmental polyps. These polyps were inflammatory or hyperplastic on pathologic review. CONCLUSION: Most ISFs and IRFs are now found preoperatively by imaging and some are incidental surgical findings. The segmental sigmoid polyps that we describe should help the gastroenterologist to be suspicious of ISF. The polyps are a surrogate marker for the progression of the fistula and the underlying ileitis as they tend to appear after the fistula has matured and lead to increased intensity of medical therapy well before surgical intervention is required.

Deep endometriosis with pericolic lymph node involvement: a case report and literature review.

Deep infiltrating endometriosis is an often-painful disorder affecting women during their reproductive years that usually involves the structures of the pelvis and frequently the gastrointestinal tract. We present the case of a 37-year-old female patient with an endometrial growth on the sigmoid colon wall causing pain, diarrhea and the presence of blood in the feces. The histology of the removed specimen also revealed the involvement of the utero-vesical fold, the recto-vaginal septum and a pericolic lymph node, which are all quite uncommon findings. To identify the endometrial cells, we performed immunohistochemical staining for CD10 and the estrogen and progesterone receptors.

Endometriosis rectosigmoidea infiltrante profunda. Claves para su diagnóstico / Deep infiltrating rectosigmoid endometriosis. Diagnostic keys

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Efficacy of zinc-carnosine chelate compound, Polaprezinc, enemas in patients with ulcerative colitis.

OBJECTIVES: Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic, relapsing and remitting intestinal inflammatory disorder. Zinc is known to be efficacious for the repair of damaged tissue and has been shown to protect against gastric ulceration. This study focused on Polaprezinc (PZ), N-(3-aminopropionyl)-L-histidinato zinc, which accelerates ulcer healing through actions such as prostaglandin-independent cytoprotection and antioxidative activity. METHODS: In this randomized, placebo-controlled, investigator-blinded trial, 28 patients with active UC at The Jikei University Hospital were randomly divided into two groups: one treated with a 150 mg PZ enema (n = 18) and the other not treated with a PZ enema (n = 10). All patients received usual induction therapy. Clinical symptoms, endoscopic findings and histological findings were evaluated at entry and one week later. RESULTS: In the PZ group, modified Matts' endoscopic scores were significantly improved after treatment compared to baseline in the rectum (p = 0.004), sigmoid colon (p = 0.03) and descending colon (p = 0.04). In the non-PZ group, scores were not significantly improved in the rectum (p = 0.14) and descending colon (p = 0.34), but were improved in the sigmoid colon (p = 0.04). In the PZ group, the Mayo scores at baseline and at Day 8 were 9.1 ± 1.6 and 5.8 ± 2.7 (p = 0.00004), respectively, and in the placebo group, the scores were 8.9 ± 1.7 and 7.4 ± 2.1 (p = 0.009), respectively. Clinical response or remission was significantly better in the PZ group (71%) than in the placebo group (10%). CONCLUSIONS: A zinc-carnosine chelate compound, PZ, enema may become a useful new add-on treatment to accelerate mucosal healing in UC.

Isoosmolar enemas demonstrate preferential gastrointestinal distribution, safety, and acceptability compared with hyperosmolar and hypoosmolar enemas as a potential delivery vehicle for rectal microbicides.

Rectally applied antiretroviral microbicides for preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) of HIV infection are currently in development. Since enemas (rectal douches) are commonly used by men who have sex with men prior to receptive anal intercourse, a microbicide enema could enhance PrEP adherence by fitting seamlessly within the usual sexual practices. We assessed the distribution, safety, and acceptability of three enema types-hyperosmolar (Fleet), hypoosmolar (distilled water), and isoosmolar (Normosol-R)-in a crossover design. Nine men received each enema type in random order. Enemas were radiolabeled [(99m)Tc-diethylene triamine pentaacetic acid (DTPA)] to assess enema distribution in the colon using single photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography (SPECT/CT) imaging. Plasma (99m)Tc-DTPA indicated mucosal permeability. Sigmoidoscopic colon tissue biopsies were taken to assess injury as well as tissue penetration of the (99m)Tc-DTPA. Acceptability was assessed after each product use and at the end of the study. SPECT/CT imaging showed that the isoosmolar enema had greater proximal colonic distribution (up to the splenic flexure) and greater luminal and colon tissue concentrations of (99m)Tc-DTPA when compared to the other enemas (p<0.01). Colon biopsies also showed that only the hyperosmolar enema caused sloughing of the colonic epithelium (p<0.05). In permeability testing, the hypoosmolar enema had higher plasma (99m)Tc-DTPA 24-h area under the concentration-time curve and peak concentration compared to the hyperosmolar and isoosmolar enemas, respectively. Acceptability was generally good with no clear preferences among the three enema types. The isoosmolar enema was superior or similar to the other enemas in all categories and is a good candidate for further development as a rectal microbicide vehicle.

Difficulty in differentiating two cases of sigmoid stenosis by diverticulitis from cancer.

The incidence of colonic diverticulosis with or without diverticulitis has increased in the Japanese population due to the modernization of food and aging. The rate of diverticulitis in colon diverticulosis ranges from 8.1% to 9.6%. However, few cases of stenosis due to diverticulitis have been reported. These reports suggest that the differentiation between sigmoid diverticulitis and colon cancer is difficult. This report describes two cases of colon stenosis due to diverticulitis that were difficult to differentiate from colon cancer. Case 1 was a 70-year-old woman with narrowed stools for 1 month who underwent colonofiberscopy (CFS). CFS revealed a diverticulum and circumferential stenosis in the sigmoid colon. Barium enema revealed a marked, hourglass-shaped, 2-cm circumferential stenosis in the sigmoid colon. Fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG)-positron emission tomography computed tomography (CT) revealed an increased FDG uptake at the affected portion of the sigmoid colon. Sigmoid colon cancer was suspected, and laparoscopic sigmoidectomy was performed. Pathological examination demonstrated active inflammation with no evidence of malignancy. Case 2 was a 50-year-old man who presented to a nearby clinic with reduced stool output despite the urge to defecate. CFS detected severe stenosis in the sigmoid colon approximately 25 cm from the dentate line. Contrast-enhanced abdominal CT revealed multiple diverticula, wall thickening, and swelling of the lymph nodes around the peritoneal aorta and the inferior mesenteric artery. A partial sigmoidectomy was performed. Pathological examination of the resected specimen revealed no changes in the mucosal epithelial surface, but a marked infiltration of inflammatory cells was observed.

Preoperative assessment of intestinal endometriosis: A comparison of transvaginal sonography with water-contrast in the rectum, transrectal sonography, and barium enema.

To evaluate the accuracy of Transrectal Sonography (TRS) and a new technique, Transvaginal Sonography with Water-Contrast in the Rectum (RWC-TVS), in the diagnosis of rectosigmoid endometriosis, and the accuracy of Barium Enema (BE) and RWC-TVS in the detection of intestinal stenosis due to endometriosis. In a prospective study, we compared the findings of TRS and RWC-TVS performed before surgery with the operative and pathologic findings in 61 consecutive patients who underwent laparoscopy or laparotomy for suspected rectosigmoid endometriosis. The accuracy of BE and RWC-TVS in the detection of intestinal stenosis was evaluated comparing the radiologic and ultrasonographic results with the macroscopic findings at surgery and pathology. RWC-TVS diagnosed rectosigmoid endometriosis with the same accuracy of TRS and was equally efficient as BE in the detection of a significant intestinal lumen stenosis. For the diagnosis of rectosigmoid endometriosis the sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values of TRS and RWC-TVS were 88.2% and 96%, 80%, and 90%, 95.7%, and 98%, and 57.1% and 81.8%, respectively. For the detection of intestinal stenosis the sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values of BE and RWC-TVS were 93.7% and 87.5%, 94.2% and 91.4%, 88.2% and 82.3%, and 97% and 94.1%, respectively. RWC-TVS is a new, simple technique for a single-step and accurate preoperative assessment of rectosigmoid endometriosis.

An unusual presentation of a cystic duplication of the sigmoid colon entirely lined with squamous epithelium.

Alimentary tract duplications are rare congenital malformations that occur most commonly in the jejunoileal part of the gastrointestinal tract. Management of this pathologic condition is usually drawn up. We report a case of descending colonic communicating duplication in which clinical presentation and anatomopathologic results were unexpected. A slightly echogenic abdominal mass reaching 72 x 36 mm in the left flank was diagnosed in a female fetus during the third trimester ultrasound examination. At birth, volume of the mass rapidly evolved, and despite no intestinal obstruction was observed by compression of the adjacent gastrointestinal tract, abdomen was distended. Abdominal plain film showed a large air collection, and the barium enema demonstrated a slight leak of contrast in the aerated mass, suggesting a communication with the sigmoid colon. No other abnormalities were seen. The patient underwent surgery in emergency. The mass was then totally excised through an antimesenteric resection of the tubular tract joining cystic mass and sigmoid colon. A lateral suture of the colon was subsequently performed. The wall of the duplication is usually composed of a smooth muscle layer covered by an epithelium, mostly of intestinal type. Herein, we describe a descending colonic duplication completely lined with nonkeratinizing squamous epithelium. Therefore, the association of a colonic mucosa (of endodermic origin) and a squamous epithelium (derived from the ectoderm) in our case is an interesting finding and is not explained by the various theories. Furthermore, the clinical characteristics, diagnosis, and treatment of intestinal duplications are discussed with regard to literature.

A case of colouterine fistula managed laparoscopically.

Fistulas between the uterus and bowel are rarely reported. We report successful laparoscopic management of a colouterine fistula caused by a foreign body in the uterus. Fistulas between the gastrointestinal tract and the female genital tract are usually found between the vagina and rectum as a result of complications of childbirth or iatrogenic trauma. Communication between the uterus and bowel is rarely reported. We report successful laparoscopic management of an unusual case of colouterine fistula caused by a foreign body in the uterus.

Rectal prolapse as initial clinical manifestation of colon cancer.

Rectal prolapse as the initial clinical manifestation of colorectal cancer is uncommon. We describe the case of a 75-year-old woman who was diagnosed as having adenocarcinoma of the sigmoid colon after presenting with complete rectal prolapse. The tumor caused rectosigmoid intussusception and then it prolapsed out through the anus. She underwent rectosigmoidectomy and rectopexy. The postoperative course was uneventful. The relationship between colorectal cancer and rectal prolapse has not been clearly established. This case report describes an unusual presentation of colorectal cancer. It suggests that rectal prolapse can present as the initial symptom of colorectal cancer and may also be a presenting feature of the occult intra-abdominal pathology. The importance of adequate investigation such as colonoscopy should be emphasized in patients who develop a new onset of rectal prolapse.

Rectovaginal fistula following double-stapling anastomosis in low anterior resection for rectal cancer.

The rectovaginal fistula is a rare complication after low anterior resection for rectal cancer, but its management is difficult and the result is often unsatisfactory. Herewith, we report one patient with rectovaginal fistula as a postoperative complication. Rectovaginal fistula appeared on the 23rd day after low anterior resection. Flatus and feces through the vagina were present, but the fistula was too small to be elucidated by gastrografin enema. After 22 days of fasting therapy under total parenteral nutrition, this fistula was closed. The rectovaginal fistula is very rare but is a possible complication after low anterior resection for rectal cancer. Therefore, this complication must be kept in mind, and a minimal-sized fistula can be treated conservatively without a diverting colostomy or other surgical procedures.