A population-based study of incidence, aetiology, treatment and outcome of enterocutaneous fistula.

AIM: The aim of this work was to investigate the incidence of enterocutaneous fistula (ECF), including both small bowel and colonic fistulas, in a defined population of 1.04 million during a 10-year period and to describe aetiology, treatments, care consumption and outcome. METHOD: A comprehensive search algorithm including diagnostic and procedural codes, enterostomal therapy nurse notes and in-hospital care for >60 days yielded 1970 search hits. After reviewing medical records, 187 patients with ECF were identified. RESULTS: The annual incidence of ECF was 2.3 per 100 000, the incidence of ECF with intestinal failure type II was 0.9 per 100 000. Spontaneous closure of the fistula occurred in 16.0% of patients, while closure was seen in 97.3% of patients who underwent reconstructive surgery with recurrences in 6.7% and 8.3%, respectively. Cumulative ECF-related in-hospital care until closure or end of follow-up was 4 (range 0-61) weeks. Eighty-eight patients (47%) received home-based healthcare including parenteral feeding and/or fistula wound care. The estimated overall mortality at 1, 3 and 5 years was 33.7%, 42.1% and 47.6% respectively. Mortality was mainly in patients without spontaneous closure or reconstructive surgery, and the risk of ECF-related death was 30.2%. CONCLUSION: This study defines the population-based incidence of ECF and reports a high overall mortality rate. Initial survivors were characterized by either spontaneous closure or eligibility for later reconstructive surgery, but with an eventual mortality rate of approximately 20%. ECF patients are high consumers of care: 55.1% needed ≥4 weeks in hospital and many received home-based healthcare.

Anorectal function and symptoms 6 months after robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy: a single-center study.

INTRODUCTION: Robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RALP) is a common procedure for the treatment of localised prostate cancer. Anorectal symptoms such as fecal incontinence (FI), rectal urgency or disturbed defecation have been reported after the operation. Anorectal function is dependent on the integrity of anal and pelvic nerves and muscles, rectal sensory function as well as rectal reservoir function. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential influence of RALP on anorectal physiological function and bowel symptoms. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this pilot study, 29 patients with localised prostate cancer scheduled for RALP were included. Anorectal physiology was used to measure rectal sensitivity and reservoir function as well as anal sphincter pressures. Bowel symptoms were measured by a bowel function questionnaire and a 2-week bowel function diary. Measurements were done before the operation and repeated at 6 months after the operation. RESULTS: The study observed a significant postoperative increase in rectal sensory threshold for rectal balloon distention, from 20 to 40 mmHg, P < 0.001. This change is indicative of a decrease in rectal sensation after RALP. There were no other statistical significant differences in any of the physiological tests performed. Importantly, there was no change in any of the bowel symptoms after surgery. CONCLUSION: This study showed that RALP may lead to impaired rectal sensory function. This finding did not, however, seem to have any influence on the patients´ postoperative clinical bowel function.

Healthcare professionals' experiences of providing care for patients with enterocutaneous fistula in hospital and in homecare: A qualitative study.

BACKGROUND: Enterocutaneous fistula is a rare but complex and serious condition that is both physically and psychologically demanding for the person affected. Infection, fistula dressing problems, electrolyte and fluid imbalance and malnutrition render the individual in need of long periods of in-hospital care and homecare. This place great demands on patients, families, and healthcare professionals. More research is needed to bridge the gap between hospital and home-based healthcare services. AIM: To explore healthcare professionals' experiences of providing care for patients with enterocutaneous fistula in hospital and in homecare. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A qualitative descriptive study design based on five focus group interviews involving 20 healthcare professionals. Data was analysed using content analysis. RESULTS: Three categories with seven corresponding subcategories were developed; 1) Providing care for patients with enterocutaneous fistula in the hospital and at home was complex and time and resource consuming. Participants were struggling with practical issues and lacked disease-specific knowledge and skills; 2) Caring requires an integrated approach but it was challenging to work interprofessionally and cope with barriers in collaboration between providers; 3) Building long lasting relationships with patients and their families was fundamental to the caring process. Participants needed to hide their own feelings related to smell and appearance of the fistula as well as frustration when the fistula dressing did not hold without leaking. The healthcare professionals expressed that the involvement of the patient and their close family was important when proving care, likewise, to have a great understanding of the patients' suffering. DISCUSSION: The care of patients with enterocutaneous fistula is complex and means engagement for long periods, both in hospital and in home-based healthcare. Regular team meetings of the multidisciplinary team, careful planning before discharge and providing person-centred care can facilitate the care process.

Putting life on hold: A longitudinal phenomenological-hermeneutic study of living with [or close to someone with] an enterocutaneous fistula before and after reconstructive surgery.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: Illuminate meanings of living with [or close to someone with] an enterocutaneous fistula before and after reconstructive surgery. BACKGROUND: Enterocutaneous fistula is a serious condition affecting the well-being and social life of both patients and families, sometimes for several years. DESIGN: A longitudinal qualitative design. METHODS: Patients and families (n = 14) were followed with dyadic interviews at three occasions, conducted 2017-2020. The interviews were analysed with a phenomenological-hermeneutic approach. COREQ guidelines were followed. RESULT: Living with an enterocutaneous fistula was explained as life being put on hold, while living in a bubble for an uncertain time. This bubble meant facing an unpredictable and restricted life where the dyads were forced to take control over the situation despite being vulnerable inside, striving to resume normality. The patients dealt with never-ending symptoms such as leakage from the fistula, pain and fatigue, while the family supported with practical matters and just being close. Dependency on intravenous fluids resulted in social isolation, which caused mode swings and depressiveness. In this situation, healthcare professionals often became a substitute for other interactions, but the lack of understanding about the dyads' situation, affected their trust in the healthcare. Despite all, they still had belief in the future, the patients having higher expectations than the family. CONCLUSIONS: Living with an enterocutaneous fistula meant a daily life struggling with many limitations. This implies that the transition was associated with difficulties and the dyads strived to accept their situation. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: The findings indicate that these patients must be cared for with a multidisciplinary approach. A person-centred health plan could impact on the dyads' feeling of control and thereby making them less dependent on healthcare. Every patient should have their own contact nurse and be offered psychological support. NO PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: Not applicable due to the current method.

Simultaneous or staged resection of synchronous colorectal cancer liver metastases: a 13-year institutional follow-up.

BACKGROUND: This study compared postoperative outcomes and survival rates of patients who underwent simultaneous or staged resection for synchronous colorectal cancer liver metastases. METHODS: Between 2005 and 2018, 126 patients were registered prospectively at a university hospital in Sweden, 63 patients who underwent simultaneous resection were matched against 63 patients who underwent staged resection. RESULTS: The length of hospital stay was shorter for the simultaneous resection group, at 11 vs 16 days, p = <0.001. Fewer patients experienced recurrence in the simultaneous resection group 39 vs 50 patients, p = 0.012. There were no significant differences in disease-free survival and overall survival between the groups. Age (hazard ratio [HR] 1.72; 95% CI 1.01-2.94; p = 0.049) and Clavien-Dindo score (HR 2.22; 95% CI 1.06-4.67; p = 0.035) had impact on survival. CONCLUSION: Colorectal cancer with synchronous liver metastases can be resected simultaneously, and enables a shorter treatment time without jeopardizing oncological outcomes.

Long-term Follow-up, Patient Satisfaction, and Quality of Life for Patients With Kock's Continent Ileostomy.

BACKGROUND: Continent ileostomy is a solution for patients after proctocolectomy. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the long-term complications and failure rate alongside patient satisfaction, function, and quality of life for patients with a continent ileostomy. DESIGN: This was a retrospective, descriptive cross-sectional study. SETTINGS: All patients were operated in 1 center between 1980 and 2016. PATIENTS: A total of 85 patients received a de novo continent ileostomy in our institution. Sixty-nine patients (80%) had ulcerative colitis, 12 (14%) had Crohn's disease, 2 had indeterminate colitis, and 1 each had familial adenomatous polyposis and anal atresia. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Medical charts were reviewed for reoperations and pouchitis. The 36-Item Short Form, Short Health Scale, and a local continent ileostomy questionnaire were used to assess quality of life, function, and satisfaction. RESULTS: After a median follow-up of 24 years, 67 patients (79%) underwent a total of 237 reoperations, of which 15 were conversions to end ileostomies, that is, failures. Fifty patients (59%) underwent repeat laparotomies, excluding loop ileostomy closures. Nipple detachment was the most common cause for repeat laparotomy, and fistulation was the most common cause for pouch removal. IPAA before continent ileostomy was associated with an increased risk for failure. Crohn's disease was not associated with an increased risk for reoperation or failure. Forty-three patients (84%) reported that they were satisfied. Seventy patients were available for questionnaires, and 50 patients (71%) answered. There was no difference in the 36-Item Short Form between the continent ileostomy population and an age-matched control population. LIMITATIONS: The retrospective, single-center design of the study alongside <100% response rate are to be considered limitations. CONCLUSIONS: Despite large numbers of complications, patients are generally satisfied with their continent ileostomies, and their quality of life is comparable to the general population. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/B444. SEGUIMIENTO A LARGO PLAZO, SATISFACCIN DEL PACIENTE Y CALIDAD DE VIDA PARA PACIENTES CON ILEOSTOMA CONTINENTE DE KOCK: ANTECEDENTES:La ileostomía continente es una solución para los pacientes después de una proctocolectomía.OBJETIVO:El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar las complicaciones a largo plazo y la tasa de fracaso junto con la satisfacción del paciente, la función y la calidad de vida de los pacientes con una ileostomía continente.AJUSTES:Todos los pacientes fueron operados en un centro entre 1980 y 2016.DISEÑO:Estudio retrospectivo, descriptivo y transversal.PACIENTES:Un total de 85 pacientes recibieron una ileostomía continente de novo en nuestra institución. Sesenta y nueve (80%) pacientes tenían colitis ulcerosa, doce (14%) enfermedad de Crohn, dos, colitis indeterminada y uno de poliposis adenomatosa familiar y atresia anal respectivamente.PRINCIPALES MEDIDAS DE RESULTADO:Se revisaron los registros médicos en busca de reintervenciones y pouchitis. Se utilizó SF-36, escala de salud corta y un cuestionario de ileostomía continente local para evaluar la calidad de vida, la función y la satisfacción.RESULTADOS:Después de una mediana de seguimiento de 24 años, 67 (79%) pacientes fueron sometidos a un total de 237 reoperaciones, de las cuales 15 fueron conversiones para terminar con ileostomías, es decir, fracasos. 50 (59%) pacientes se sometieron a laparotomías repetidas, excluyendo los cierres de ileostomía en asa. El desprendimiento del pezón fue la causa más común de repetición de laparotomía y la fistulación fue la causa más común de retiro de la bolsa. La anastomosis anal de la bolsa ileal antes de la ileostomía continente se asoció con un mayor riesgo de fracaso. La enfermedad de Crohn no se asoció con un mayor riesgo de reoperación o fracaso. 43 pacientes (84%) informaron que estaban satisfechos. 70 pacientes estuvieron disponibles para cuestionarios y 50 pacientes (71%) respondieron. No hubo diferencia en SF-36 entre la población de ileostomía continente y una población de control de la misma edad.LIMITACIONES:El diseño retrospectivo y unicéntrico del estudio junto con una tasa de respuesta inferior al 100% deben considerarse limitaciones.CONCLUSIÓN:A pesar del gran número de complicaciones, los pacientes generalmente están satisfechos con sus ileostomías continentes y su calidad de vida es comparable a la de la población general. Consulte Video Resumen en http://links.lww.com/DCR/B444.

MRI Lymph Node Evaluation for Prediction of Metastases in Rectal Cancer.

AIM: To explore whether the size and characteristics of the largest regional lymph node in patients with rectal cancer, based on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), following neoadjuvant therapy and before surgery, is able to identify patients at high risk of developing metachronous metastases. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective case-control study with data from the Swedish Colo-Rectal Cancer Registry. Forty patients were identified with metachronous metastases (M+), and 40 patients without metastases (M0) were matched as controls. RESULTS: Patients with M+ disease were more likely to have a regional lymph node measuring ≥5 mm than patients with M0. (87% vs. 65%, p=0.02). There was also a significant difference between the groups regarding the presence of an irregular border of the largest lymph node (68% vs. 40%, p=0.01). CONCLUSION: Lymph nodes measuring ≥5 mm with/without displaying irregular borders at MRI performed after neoadjuvant therapy emerged as risk factors for metachronous metastases in patients with rectal cancer. Intensified follow-up programmes may be indicated in these patients.

Assessment of remaining tumour involved lymph nodes with MRI in patients with complete luminal response after neoadjuvant treatment of rectal cancer.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the accuracy of MRI to predict remaining lymph node metastases in patients with complete pathological luminal response (ypT0) after neoadjuvant therapy. METHODS: Data from a national registry were used. 19 patients with histopathologically remaining lymph node metastases (ypT0N+) were identified. Another 19 patients without lymph node metastases (ypT0N0) were used as matched controls. Two radiologists blinded to all patient information evaluated staging and restaging MRI that was compared to histopathological findings of the resected specimen. RESULTS: The average size of the largest lymph node on restaging MRI was significantly larger (4.5 mm) in the ypT0N+ group than in the ypT0N0 group (2.6 mm) (p = 0.04). Presence of ypN+ was correctly predicted by MRI in 7 of 19 patients. In patients without lymph node metastases (ypT0N0), these were correctly classified by MRI in 16 of 19 patients. All patients who had MR-identified lymph nodes larger than 8 mm at restaging were ypTN+. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative for prediction of remaining lymph node metastasis with MRI were 37, 84, 70 and 57%. CONCLUSION: In patients with ypT0 in rectal cancer after neoadjuvant treatment, remaining regional lymph node metastases cannot safely be predicted by restaging MRI alone using presently known criteria. Presence of a lymph node over 8 mm on restaging MRI strongly indicates yPN+. Advances in knowledge: This is one of the first studies on MRI lymph node assessment after chemo-radiotherapy (CRT) in luminal complete response.

Frequency, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Outcome of Gastrointestinal Disease in Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis and Microscopic Polyangiitis.

OBJECTIVE: Involvement of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract is a rare complication of granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) and microscopic polyangiitis (MPA). The aim was to describe frequency, diagnosis, treatment, and outcome of GI disease in a large series of patients in a single center. METHODS: A database that includes all patients with GPA and MPA diagnosed since 1997 in a defined area of southeastern Sweden as well as prevalent older cases and tertiary referral patients was screened for patients with GI disease. Data were retrieved from the patient's medical records, and GI manifestations of vasculitis were defined as proposed by Pagnoux, et al in 2005. RESULTS: Fourteen (6.5%) of 216 consecutive patients with GPA/MPA had GI manifestations. Abdominal pain and GI bleeding were the most common symptoms. Radiology was important for detection of GI disease, while endoscopy failed to support the diagnosis in many patients. Because of perforation, 5 patients underwent hemicolectomy or small intestine resection. Primary anastomosis was created in 2/5 and enterostomy in 3/5 patients. One patient had a hemicolectomy because of lower GI bleeding. One sigmoid abscess was treated with drainage, and 1 intraabdominal bleeding condition with arterial coiling. Two patients died from GI disease. GPA and MPA patients with and without GI disease exhibited a similar overall survival. CONCLUSION: GI disease was found in 6.5% among 216 patients with GPA or MPA. Surgery was judged necessary only in cases with GI perforation or severe bleeding. Multidisciplinary engagement is strongly recommended.

Långvarigt Trendelenburgs läge kan orsaka ögonskador - Kortad operationstid i tippat läge och justering av tippningsvinkeln kan minska risken.

Risk of optic nerve injury after prolonged Trendelenburg's position Postoperative loss of vision due to acute ischaemic optic nerve injury is a rare complication following pelvic surgery. A steep Trendelenburg's position of the patient, high intraabdominal pressure and a long operative time in Trendelenburg's position are recognised risk factors associated with robot-assisted pelvic surgery. This manuscript presents the underlying pathophysiologic mechanism. Practical tips and tricks for prevention are discussed.

Optimal fractionation of preoperative radiotherapy and timing to surgery for rectal cancer (Stockholm III): a multicentre, randomised, non-blinded, phase 3, non-inferiority trial.

BACKGROUND: Radiotherapy reduces the risk of local recurrence in rectal cancer. However, the optimal radiotherapy fractionation and interval between radiotherapy and surgery is still under debate. We aimed to study recurrence in patients randomised between three different radiotherapy regimens with respect to fractionation and time to surgery. METHODS: In this multicentre, randomised, non-blinded, phase 3, non-inferiority trial (Stockholm III), all patients with a biopsy-proven adenocarcinoma of the rectum, without signs of non-resectability or distant metastases, without severe cardiovascular comorbidity, and planned for an abdominal resection from 18 Swedish hospitals were eligible. Participants were randomly assigned with permuted blocks, stratified by participating centre, to receive either 5 × 5 Gy radiation dose with surgery within 1 week (short-course radiotherapy) or after 4-8 weeks (short-course radiotherapy with delay) or 25 × 2 Gy radiation dose with surgery after 4-8 weeks (long-course radiotherapy with delay). After a protocol amendment, randomisation could include all three treatments or just the two short-course radiotherapy treatments, per hospital preference. The primary endpoint was time to local recurrence calculated from the date of randomisation to the date of local recurrence. Comparisons between treatment groups were deemed non-inferior if the upper limit of a double-sided 90% CI for the hazard ratio (HR) did not exceed 1·7. Patients were analysed according to intention to treat for all endpoints. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT00904813. FINDINGS: Between Oct 5, 1998, and Jan 31, 2013, 840 patients were recruited and randomised; 385 patients in the three-arm randomisation, of whom 129 patients were randomly assigned to short-course radiotherapy, 128 to short-course radiotherapy with delay, and 128 to long-course radiotherapy with delay, and 455 patients in the two-arm randomisation, of whom 228 were randomly assigned to short-course radiotherapy and 227 to short-course radiotherapy with delay. In patients with any local recurrence, median time from date of randomisation to local recurrence in the pooled short-course radiotherapy comparison was 33·4 months (range 18·2-62·2) in the short-course radiotherapy group and 19·3 months (8·5-39·5) in the short-course radiotherapy with delay group. Median time to local recurrence in the long-course radiotherapy with delay group was 33·3 months (range 17·8-114·3). Cumulative incidence of local recurrence in the whole trial was eight of 357 patients who received short-course radiotherapy, ten of 355 who received short-course radiotherapy with delay, and seven of 128 who received long-course radiotherapy (HR vs short-course radiotherapy: short-course radiotherapy with delay 1·44 [95% CI 0·41-5·11]; long-course radiotherapy with delay 2·24 [0·71-7·10]; p=0·48; both deemed non-inferior). Acute radiation-induced toxicity was recorded in one patient (<1%) of 357 after short-course radiotherapy, 23 (7%) of 355 after short-course radiotherapy with delay, and six (5%) of 128 patients after long-course radiotherapy with delay. Frequency of postoperative complications was similar between all arms when the three-arm randomisation was analysed (65 [50%] of 129 patients in the short-course radiotherapy group; 48 [38%] of 128 patients in the short-course radiotherapy with delay group; 50 [39%] of 128 patients in the long-course radiotherapy with delay group; odds ratio [OR] vs short-course radiotherapy: short-course radiotherapy with delay 0·59 [95% CI 0·36-0·97], long-course radiotherapy with delay 0·63 [0·38-1·04], p=0·075). However, in a pooled analysis of the two short-course radiotherapy regimens, the risk of postoperative complications was significantly lower after short-course radiotherapy with delay than after short-course radiotherapy (144 [53%] of 355 vs 188 [41%] of 357; OR 0·61 [95% CI 0·45-0·83] p=0·001). INTERPRETATION: Delaying surgery after short-course radiotherapy gives similar oncological results compared with short-course radiotherapy with immediate surgery. Long-course radiotherapy with delay is similar to both short-course radiotherapy regimens, but prolongs the treatment time substantially. Although radiation-induced toxicity was seen after short-course radiotherapy with delay, postoperative complications were significantly reduced compared with short-course radiotherapy. Based on these findings, we suggest that short-course radiotherapy with delay to surgery is a useful alternative to conventional short-course radiotherapy with immediate surgery. FUNDING: Swedish Research Council, Swedish Cancer Society, Stockholm Cancer Society, and the Regional Agreement on Medical Training and Clinical Research in Stockholm.

FXYD-3 expression in relation to local recurrence of rectal cancer.

PURPOSE: In a previous study, the transmembrane protein FXYD-3 was suggested as a biomarker for a lower survival rate and reduced radiosensitivity in rectal cancer patients receiving preoperative radiotherapy. The purpose of preoperative irradiation in rectal cancer is to reduce local recurrence. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential role of FXYD-3 as a biomarker for increased risk for local recurrence of rectal cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: FXYD-3 expression was immunohistochemically examined in surgical specimens from a cohort of patients with rectal cancer who developed local recurrence (n = 48). The cohort was compared to a matched control group without recurrence (n = 81). RESULTS: Weak FXYD-3 expression was found in 106/129 (82%) of the rectal tumors and strong expression in 23/129 (18%). There was no difference in the expression of FXYD-3 between the patients with local recurrence and the control group. Furthermore there was no difference in FXYD-3 expression and time to diagnosis of local recurrence between patients who received preoperative radiotherapy and those without. CONCLUSION: Previous findings indicated that FXYD-3 expression may be used as a marker of decreased sensitivity to radiotherapy or even overall survival. We were unable to confirm this in a cohort of rectal cancer patients who developed local recurrence.

Experience of living with an enterocutaneous fistula.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to describe patients' experiences of living with an enterocutaneous fistula. BACKGROUND: An enterocutaneous fistula is a complex and serious illness that usually occurs as a complication from surgery or spontaneously as a result of an underlying disease. The illness is demanding both physically and mentally and causes substantial medical and nursing problems for the afflicted individual. DESIGN: A descriptive design with a qualitative approach. METHODS: In-depth interviews were performed with nine participants who had experiences of living with an enterocutaneous fistula. The analysis was conducted using descriptive phenomenology according to Giorgi. RESULTS: The essence of this study was that living with an enterocutaneous fistula is about handling an illness that causes several limitations in daily life and the following five themes emerged from the data: restrictions in daily life, approaches to illness, emotions, dependence and need of support. A constant fear of leakage from the fistula appliance, being dependent on intravenous fluids and being dependent on health care professionals caused isolation and social restriction. CONCLUSIONS: The participants had many strategies for handling their illness. By being well trained, engaged and having a positive and understanding approach, health care professionals can encourage hope, motivation and self-care. This can lead to decreased dependence and help the patient to better handle their illness. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: The competence of health care professionals is essential in the care of patients with an enterocutaneous fistula.

Combination therapy with biofeedback, loperamide, and stool-bulking agents is effective for the treatment of fecal incontinence in women - a randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: Biofeedback and medical treatments have been extensively used for moderate fecal incontinence (FI). There is limited data comparing and combining these two treatments. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of biofeedback and medical treatments, separately and in combination. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Sixty-four consecutive female patients, referred to a tertiary centre for FI, were included. The patients were randomized to start with either biofeedback (4-6 months) or medical treatment with loperamide and stool-bulking agents (2 months). Both groups continued with a combination of treatments, i.e. medical treatment was added to biofeedback and vice versa. A two-week prospective bowel symptom diary and anorectal physiology were evaluated at baseline, after single- and combination treatments. RESULTS: Fifty-seven patients completed the study. Median number of leakage episodes during two weeks decreased from 6 to 3 (p < 0.0001) from baseline to completion. The patients showed a significant (1) decrease in number of leakages without forewarning (p = 0.04); (2) decrease in number of stools with urgency (p = 0.001); (3) decrease in number of loose stool consistency; and (4) an increase in rectal sensory thresholds, both for maximum tolerable rectal pressure and first sensation (<0.01). The combination treatment was superior to both single treatments in terms of symptoms and functions. There was no significant difference between the two groups at any time point. CONCLUSIONS: The combination therapy with biofeedback and medical treatment is effective for symptom relief in FI. The symptom improvement was associated with improved fecal consistency, reduced urgency, and increased rectal sensory thresholds.

Intestinal obstruction following harvest of VRAM-flap for reconstruction of a large perineal defect.

A patient with locally advanced adenocarcinoma of the rectum was operated with abdominoperineal resection and perineal reconstruction with a vertical rectus abdominis musculocutaneous flap. Six days postoperatively, there was herniation of the small bowel, between the anterior and posterior rectus sheaths, to a subcutaneous location.

Evaluation of long-term anorectal function after low anterior resection: a 5-year follow-up of a randomized multicenter trial.

BACKGROUND: Anorectal function after rectal surgery with low anastomosis is often impaired. Outcome of long-term anorectal function is poorly understood but may improve over time. OBJECTIVE: We evaluated anorectal function 5 years after low anterior resection for cancer with regard to whether patients had a temporary stoma at initial resection. The objective of this study was to assess changes in anorectal function over time by comparing the results with anorectal function 1 year after rectal resection. DESIGN: This study was a secondary end point of a randomized, multicenter controlled trial. SETTINGS: The study was conducted at 21 Swedish hospitals performing rectal cancer surgery from 1999 to 2005. PATIENTS: Patients included were those operated on with low anterior resection. INTERVENTIONS: Patients were randomly assigned to receive or not receive a defunctioning stoma. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: We evaluated anorectal function in patients who were initially randomly assigned to the defunctioning stoma or no stoma group, who had been free of stoma for 5 years, by means of using a standardized patient questionnaire. Questions addressed stool frequency, urgency, fragmentation of bowel movements, evacuation difficulties, incontinence, lifestyle alterations, and patient preference regarding permanent stoma formation. Results were compared with the same patient cohort at 1-year follow-up. RESULTS: A total of 123 patients answered the bowel function questionnaire (65 in the no-stoma group and 58 in the stoma group). No differences were found between groups regarding the number of passed stools, need for medication to open the bowel, evacuation difficulties, incontinence, and urgency. General well-being was significantly better in the no-stoma group (p = 0.033). Comparison with anorectal function at 1 year showed no further changes over time. LIMITATIONS: The study was based on a limited sample size (n = 123) and formed a secondary end point of a randomized trial. CONCLUSIONS: Anorectal function was impaired for many patients, but the temporary presence of a defunctioning stoma after rectal resection did not affect long-term outcome. Anorectal function did not change between 1-year and 5-year follow-up.

The role of microRNA-200 in progression of human colorectal and breast cancer.

The role of the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in cancer has been studied extensively in vitro, but involvement of the EMT in tumorigenesis in vivo is largely unknown. We investigated the potential of microRNAs as clinical markers and analyzed participation of the EMT-associated microRNA-200-ZEB-E-cadherin pathway in cancer progression. Expression of the microRNA-200 family was quantified by real-time RT-PCR analysis of fresh-frozen and microdissected formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded primary colorectal tumors, normal colon mucosa, and matched liver metastases. MicroRNA expression was validated by in situ hybridization and after in vitro culture of the malignant cells. To assess EMT as a predictive marker, factors considered relevant in colorectal cancer were investigated in 98 primary breast tumors from a treatment-randomized study. Associations between the studied EMT-markers were found in primary breast tumors and in colorectal liver metastases. MicroRNA-200 expression in epithelial cells was lower in malignant mucosa than in normal mucosa, and was also decreased in metastatic compared to non-metastatic colorectal cancer. Low microRNA-200 expression in colorectal liver metastases was associated with bad prognosis. In breast cancer, low levels of microRNA-200 were related to reduced survival and high expression of microRNA-200 was predictive of benefit from radiotheraphy. MicroRNA-200 was associated with ER positive status, and inversely correlated to HER2 and overactivation of the PI3K/AKT pathway, that was associated with high ZEB1 mRNA expression. Our findings suggest that the stability of microRNAs makes them suitable as clinical markers and that the EMT-related microRNA-200-ZEB-E-cadherin signaling pathway is connected to established clinical characteristics and can give useful prognostic and treatment-predictive information in progressive breast and colorectal cancers.

Does a defunctioning stoma affect anorectal function after low rectal resection? Results of a randomized multicenter trial.

BACKGROUND: Anorectal function is often impaired after low anterior resection of the rectum. Many factors affect the functional outcome and not all are known. OBJECTIVE: This trial aimed to assess whether a temporary defunctioning stoma affected anorectal function after the patients had been stoma-free for a year. DESIGN: Multicenter randomized controlled trial. SETTING: Twenty-one Swedish hospitals performing surgery for rectal cancer participated. PATIENTS: Patients who had undergone low anterior resection for adenocarcinoma of the rectum were eligible. INTERVENTIONS: Patients were randomly assigned to receive a defunctioning stoma or no stoma. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Anorectal function was evaluated with a questionnaire after patients had been without a stoma for 12 months. Questions pertained to stool frequency, urgency, fragmentation of bowel movements, evacuation difficulties, incontinence, lifestyle alterations, and whether patients would prefer a permanent stoma. RESULTS: After exclusion of patients in whom stomas became permanent, a total of 181 (90%) of 201 patients answered the questionnaire (90 in the stoma group and 91 in the no-stoma group). The median number of stools was 3 during the day and 0 at night in both groups. Inability to defer defecation for 15 minutes was reported in 35% of patients in the stoma group and 25% in the no stoma group (P = .15). Median scores were the same in each group regarding need for medication, evacuation difficulties, fragmentation of bowel movements, incontinence, and effects on well-being. Two patients (2.2%) in the stoma group and 3 patients (3.3%) in the no-stoma group would have preferred a permanent stoma. LIMITATIONS: Because this study was an analysis of secondary end points of a randomized trial, no prestudy power calculation was performed. CONCLUSIONS: A defunctioning stoma after low anterior resection did not affect anorectal function evaluated after 1 year. Many patients experienced impaired anorectal function, but nearly all preferred having impaired anorectal function to a permanent stoma.

Ultrasonographic findings in patients with peristomal bulging.

AIM: The aim of this study was to obtain a classification of peristomal bulging based on findings at ultrasonography in patients with a sigmoid colostomy. METHODS: The patient material comprised 30 men and 33 women. The median age was 69 years (28-90) and the median time between stoma creation and investigation was 68 months (3-426). Any bulging was measured, and the abdominal opening for the stoma bowel was evaluated at the clinical examination. At the ultrasonographic investigation, the patients were first investigated in the supine position to measure the transverse and vertical diameter of the abdominal opening and the thickness of the abdominal muscles. RESULTS: Three types of ultrasonographic findings were identified. In ultra-I, the stoma bowel was completely fixed or showed telescoping-like movement through the abdominal opening. In ultra-II, fatty tissue was prolapsed together with the stoma bowel forming a bend in the subcutaneous tissue. In ultra-III, another bowel segment or fatty tissue passed beside the stoma bowel through the abdominal opening into the abdominal wall. A normal finding without any bulging at the clinical examination was associated with a smaller area and a smaller diameter of the abdominal opening than the area and diameter in patients with a visible peristomal bulging. There was no difference in the thickness of the muscle layer of the abdominal wall between patients with and without bulging. CONCLUSIONS: Ultrasonography can make a dynamic diagnosis of parastomal hernia. In patients with visible peristomal bulging, the area of the abdominal opening is increased but there is no decrease in the thickness of the muscles of the abdominal wall.