Rectal Chlamydia trachomatis Infection: A Narrative Review of the State of the Science and Research Priorities.

ABSTRACT: Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) is the most commonly reported infection in the United States. Most chlamydial research to date has focused on urogenital infection, but a growing body of research has demonstrated that rectal chlamydia is a relatively common infection among clinic-attending men and women. We know that most rectal CT infections are asymptomatic, but the health implications of these infections, particularly for women, are unclear. In addition, there are key knowledge gaps related to the epidemiologic parameters of rectal chlamydia, the routes of acquisition, the duration of infection, and the clinical significance of a positive rectal CT test result. This lack of information has led to a blind spot in the potential role of rectal chlamydia in sustaining high levels of CT transmission in the United States. Furthermore, recent findings from animal models suggest that the immune response generated from gastrointestinal chlamydial infection can protect against urogenital infection; however, it remains to be determined whether rectal chlamydia similarly modulates anti-CT immunity in humans. This is a critical question in the context of ongoing efforts to develop a CT vaccine. In this narrative review, we summarize the state of the science for rectal chlamydia and discuss the key outstanding questions and research priorities in this neglected area of sexual health research.

Combined vaginal-laparoscopic approach vs. laparoscopy alone for prevention of bladder voiding dysfunction after removal of large rectovaginal endometriosis.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To assess whether the combined vaginal-laparoscopic route may reduce the risk of postoperative bladder atony, when compared to an exclusively laparoscopic approach, in patients presenting with deeply infiltrating rectovaginal endometriosis with extensive vaginal infiltration. DESIGN: Retrospective comparative cohort study using data prospectively recorded in the CIRENDO database. SETTING: Academic Tertiary Care Centre. PATIENTS: One hundred and thirty-two consecutive patients who underwent surgery of rectovaginal endometriosis with vaginal infiltration measuring greater than 3cm diameter. INTERVENTIONS: Combined vaginal-laparoscopic versus laparoscopic approach. MEASUREMENT AND MAIN RESULTS: Sixty-two patients underwent excision of endometriosis via a combined vaginal-laparoscopic approach (study group, or cases), while 71 patients underwent surgery via an exclusively laparoscopic route (controls). Rates of preoperative cyclical voiding difficulty and sensation of incomplete bladder emptying were comparable between the two groups. Preoperative urodynamic assessment was carried out in 18% of cases and 38% of controls, with abnormal results in 27.3% and 11.1% of cases and controls respectively. Early postoperative voiding difficulty (post-void residual>100mL) occurred in 14.7% and 24.3% of cases and controls respectively. There was a significant reduction in risk of intermittent self-catheterisation of 13% at time of discharge in the study cases. Three months postoperatively, one case and 6 controls had persistent voiding dysfunction requiring prolonged self-catheterisation. CONCLUSION: The combined vaginal-laparoscopic approach for large rectovaginal endometriotic nodules could reduce the risk of postoperative bladder dysfunction, when compared to an exclusively laparoscopic approach, most likely due to a reduced risk of damage to the pelvic splanchnic nerves at the paravaginal level.

Anorectal Disorders: Clinical Updates in Women's Health Care Primary and Preventive Care Review.

Anorectal disorders can have overlapping symptoms, which sometimes can make it difficult to establish a diagnosis. Obtaining a detailed history and performing a physical examination are vital to establish the correct diagnosis and to outline appropriate treatment for anorectal disorders. Obstetrician-gynecologists often are the primary care providers and may be the only medical professional a woman sees; therefore, they should be knowledgeable regarding anorectal pathology, recommended dietary and lifestyle changes, and appropriate referral guidelines. This monograph reviews benign and malignant anorectal conditions to aid obstetrician-gynecologists in diagnosis and management of anorectal disease and to provide guidance regarding a referral to a gastroenterologist or a colorectal surgeon.

Treatment of megarectum in anorectal malformation with emphasis on preventive aspects: 17 years experience.

PURPOSE: Megarectum in anorectal malformation (ARM) causes severe morbidity. To compare conservative management (CM) of megarectum with excision (EX), to propose a new classification and to analyse management strategies. METHODS: Between 2000-2016, we reviewed all ARM to identify megarectum, defined by radiological recto-pelvic ratio > 0.61. A new classification was proposed: primary megarectum (PM) pre-anorectoplasty, and secondary megarectum (SM) post-anorectoplasty, with sub-types. Complications and Krickenbeck bowel function were compared between CM and EX. RESULTS: Of 124 ARM, 22 (18%) developed megarectum; of these, 7 underwent EX. There was no difference in functional outcomes when comparing CM vs EX-voluntary bowel movement (both 86%), soiling (40% vs. 57%) and constipation (both 86%). However, EX was associated with major complications (43%) and the requirement for invasive bowel management, compared to CM (85% vs. 27%, P = 0.02). 6/7 EX needed antegrade continence enema (ACE), one of these has a permanent ileostomy. With strategic changes, incidence of megarectum reduced from 20/77 (26%) to 2/47 (4%) after 2013 (P = 0.002). CONCLUSION: EX did not confer benefit in the functional outcome but carried a high risk of complications, often needing ACE or stoma. By adhering to strategies discussed, we reduced the incidence of megarectum and have avoided EX since 2013.

Meningococcal disease and sexual transmission: urogenital and anorectal infections and invasive disease due to Neisseria meningitidis.

Neisseria meningitidis is an obligate human commensal bacterium that frequently colonises the upper respiratory tract. Person-to-person transmission occurs via direct contact or through dispersion of respiratory droplets from a carrier of the bacteria, and can lead to invasive meningococcal disease. Rare sporadic cases of meningococcal urogenital and anorectal infections, including urethritis, proctitis, and cervicitis, have been reported, typically following orogenital contact with an oropharyngeal meningococcal carrier. The resulting infections were clinically indistinguishable from infections caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Over the past two decades, there have also been multiple outbreaks across North America and Europe of invasive meningococcal disease among men who have sex with men (MSM). The responsible meningococci belong to a highly virulent and predominantly serogroup C lineage, including strains that are able to express nitrite reductase and grow in anaerobic environments, such as the urogenital and anorectal tracts. More recently, a distinct clade within this lineage has expanded to cause urethritis predominantly among men who have sex with women. Evolutionary events giving rise to this clade included the loss of the ability to express a capsule, and acquisition of several gonococcal alleles, including one allele encoding a highly efficient gonococcal nitrite reductase. Members of the clade continue to acquire gonococcal alleles, including one allele associated with decreased antibiotic susceptibility. This evolution has implications for the clinical and public health management of those who are infected and their close contacts, in terms of both antibiotic treatment, and prevention through vaccination.

Association of the Placement of a Perirectal Hydrogel Spacer With the Clinical Outcomes of Men Receiving Radiotherapy for Prostate Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Importance: Perirectal spacers are intended to lower the risk of rectal toxic effects associated with prostate radiotherapy. A quantitative synthesis of typical clinical results with specific perirectal spacers is limited. Objective: To evaluate the association between perirectal hydrogel spacer placement and clinical outcomes of men receiving radiotherapy for prostate cancer. Data Sources: A systematic search was performed of the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, MEDLINE, and Embase for articles published through September 2019. Study Selection: Studies comparing men who received a hydrogel spacer vs men who did not receive a spacer (controls) prior to prostate radiotherapy. Data Extraction and Synthesis: Via random-effects meta-analysis, group comparisons were reported using the weighted mean difference for continuous measures and the risk ratio for binary measures. Main Outcomes and Measures: Procedural results, the percentage volume of rectum receiving at least 70 Gy radiation (v70), early (≤3 months) and late (>3 months) rectal toxic effects, and early and late changes in bowel-related quality of life on the Expanded Prostate Cancer Index Composite (minimal clinically important difference, 4 points). Results: The review included 7 studies (1 randomized clinical trial and 6 cohort studies) involving 1011 men (486 who received a hydrogel spacer and 525 controls), with a median duration of patient follow-up of 26 months (range, 3-63 months). The success rate of hydrogel spacer placement was 97.0% (95% CI, 94.4%-98.8% [5 studies]), and the weighted mean perirectal separation distance was 11.2 mm (95% CI, 10.1-12.3 mm [5 studies]). Procedural complications were mild and transient, occurring in 0% to 10% of patients within the studies. The hydrogel spacer group received 66% less v70 rectal irradiation compared with controls (3.5% vs 10.4%; mean difference, -6.5%; 95% CI, -10.5% to -2.5%; P = .001 [6 studies]). The risk of grade 2 or higher rectal toxic effects was comparable between groups in early follow-up (4.5% in hydrogel spacer group vs 4.1% in control group; risk ratio, 0.82; 95% CI, 0.52-1.28; P = .38 [6 studies]) but was 77% lower in the hydrogel spacer group in late follow-up (1.5% vs 5.7%; risk ratio, 0.23; 95% CI, 0.06-0.99; P = .05 [4 studies]). Changes in bowel-related quality of life were comparable between groups in early follow-up (mean difference, 0.2; 95% CI, -3.1 to 3.4; P = .92 [2 studies]) but were greater in the hydrogel spacer group in late follow-up (mean difference, 5.4; 95% CI, 2.8-8.0; P < .001 [2 studies]). Conclusions and Relevance: For men receiving prostate radiotherapy, injection of a hydrogel spacer was safe, provided prostate-rectum separation sufficient to reduce v70 rectal irradiation, and was associated with fewer rectal toxic effects and higher bowel-related quality of life in late follow-up.

Hyaluronic acid gel injection in rectovaginal septum reduced incidence of rectal bleeding in brachytherapy for gynecological malignancies.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to report our initial clinical results of hyaluronic acid gel injection (HGI) in the rectovaginal septum (RVS) to reduce the incidence of rectal bleeding in vaginal brachytherapy for gynecologic malignancies. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Since 2008, CT based image-guided adaptive brachytherapy (IGABT) was initiated, and since 2015, HGI in the RVS was introduced in our institution. Vaginal cylinder with or without tandem or additional interstitial needles were applied for patients with gynecologic malignancies. Rectum dosimetric parameters and incidence of late rectum bleeding were compared between patients with and without HGI in the RVS. RESULTS: Between May 2008 and October 2017, 83 patients with gynecologic malignancies were treated with IGABT involving vaginal cylinder. Eleven patients who were treated for palliative intention were excluded, and 72 patients were subjected to the analysis. Of the total 72 patients 46 were with uterine cervical cancer, 19 uterine corpus cancer, five vaginal cancer, one vulvar cancer, and one ovarian cancer. Fifteen and 57 patients were irradiated with and without HGI in the RVS, respectively. With a median follow-up period of 57.7 (4.7-123.1) months, 30 (41.7%) patients suffered from radiation-related rectal bleeding. Patients with HGI in the RVS had a statistically significant lower incidence of rectal bleeding compared with those without it (13.3% vs. 49.1%, p = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: HGI in the RVS reduced the incidence of late rectal bleeding for patients with gynecologic malignancies treated by vaginal cylinder and was not associated with HGI-procedure-related adverse events.

Major Complications and Adverse Events Related to the Injection of the SpaceOAR Hydrogel System Before Radiotherapy for Prostate Cancer: Review of the Manufacturer and User Facility Device Experience Database.

Purpose: SpaceOAR® is a Food and Drug Administration-approved hydrogel injection used to create space between the prostate and rectum during prostate radiotherapy. It has shown to significantly reduce the rectal radiation dose with lower rates of rectal toxicity. Despite a high safety performance in initial trials, SpaceOAR remains in early clinical use. Thus, we examined emerging safety reports as the system becomes more widely utilized. Methods: We reviewed the SpaceOAR manufacturer website for the safety profile and complications associated with the SpaceOAR hydrogel. We then compared this with reports submitted to the Manufacturer and User Facility Device Experience (MAUDE) database. Results: The manufacturer website reported risks including pain, needle penetration, and/or gel injection into a nearby organ or blood vessel, local inflammation, infection, urinary retention, and local rectal injury or symptoms. There were 22 unique reports discussing 25 patient cases in the MAUDE database from January 2015 to March 2019, with an increasing number of reports each year up through 2018. Unique major complications including acute pulmonary embolism, severe anaphylaxis, prostatic abscess and sepsis, purulent perineal drainage, rectal wall erosion, and rectourethral fistula were reported. Conclusion: Despite well-documented clinical benefits of the SpaceOAR System, there are a number of severe and debilitating complications recently reported in proximity to gel injection. This highlights the need for further study of device complications in light of its increasing clinical use.

Role of Routine Dilatations after Anorectal Reconstruction-Comparison of Two Tertiary Centers.

AIM: Regular anal dilatations are commonly recommended in the postoperative management following posterior sagittal anorectoplasty (PSARP) in anorectal malformations (ARM). We hypothesized that routine postoperative dilatations may not affect surgical outcomes following PSARP. We compare surgical outcomes of routine postoperative dilatations versus no routine postoperative dilatations from two United Kingdom tertiary pediatric surgical centers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is retrospective records review of patients undergoing definitive surgery for ARM in two tertiary surgical centers in the UK over 5 years. Center A used a protocol of routine postoperative dilatations, and center B used a protocol, which used dilatations only for clinical indications of stricture. Data collected included ARM type, operative procedures, and postoperative interventions. All post-operative interventions under general anesthesia (GA) were compared between groups. RESULTS: From 2011 to 2015, 49 procedures (46 PSARPs) were performed in center A and 54 (52 PSARPs) in center B. Median follow up period was 31 months (interquartile range [IQR] 18-48). The first postoperative anal calibration under GA was documented for 43 (86%) patients in center A and for 42 (78%) patients in center B. Following this, center A followed routine postoperative dilatation (RPD) at home, and center B reserved further dilatations for specific indications. RPD was performed for 100% of patients in center A versus 8% in center B. Further anal dilatations under GA were performed in 19 (38%) children in center A and in 17 (34%) children in center B (p = 0.68). In center A, 10 patients (22%) needed further surgery versus 14 (28%) in center B (p = 0.48). CONCLUSION: The use of routine postoperative dilatations does not significantly improve surgical outcomes following PSARP in ARM.

Effect of rectal douching/enema on rectal gonorrhoea and chlamydia among a cohort of men who have sex with men on HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis.

OBJECTIVES: Rectal douching/enema (RD) is a common practice among men who have sex with men (MSM) in preparation for sex. RD can break down the rectal mucosal barrier and potentially affect the rectal microbiome. The objective of this study was to understand if RD is associated with acquiring rectal infections (RI) with rectal gonorrhoea (NG) and/or chlamydia (CT). METHODS: From 2013 to 2015, 395 adult HIV-uninfected MSM were enrolled in a randomised controlled study for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) adherence with routine sexual risk survey and testing. Using data from this cohort, baseline differences by RI were assessed using Pearson's χ² and Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney test. Association between RD and RI was modelled using multivariable logistic regression adjusted for potential confounders (sexual behaviour, substance use and age) selected a priori. Effect modification by number of male partners and sensitivity analysis to rule out reverse causality were also conducted. RESULTS: Of 395 participants, 261 (66%) performed RD and 133 (33%) had at least one NG/CT RI over 48 weeks. Number of condomless anal receptive sex (med: 4, p<0.001), male partners (med:6, p<0.001) and substance use (any of methamphetamine/hallucinogens/dissociative/poppers) (p<0.001) were associated with increased odds of RI. Controlling for potential confounders, odds of prevalent RI were 3.59 (p<0.001, 95% CI 1.90 to 6.78) and incident RI 3.87 (p=0.001, 95% CI 1.78 to 8.39) when douching weekly or more compared with not douching. MSM with more than six male partners had 5.34 (p=0.002, 95% CI 1.87 to 15.31) increased odds of RI when douching weekly or more compared with not douching. CONCLUSION: Rectal hygiene with RD is a common practice (66%) among HIV-uninfected MSM on PrEP in this study, which increases the odds of acquiring rectal NG and/or CT independent of sexual risk behaviour, substance use and other factors. This suggests interventional approaches targeting rectal hygiene products and practices could reduce sexually transmitted infections.

Mycoplasma genitalium: high prevalence of resistance to macrolides and frequent anorectal infection in men who have sex with men in western Sydney.

OBJECTIVES: We aimed to estimate the prevalence of Mycoplasma genitalium infection and of mutations linked to macrolide resistance using the ResistancePlus MG assay (SpeeDx, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia) in first-void urine (FVU), anorectal and oropharyngeal samples from men who have sex with men (MSM) attending Western Sydney Sexual Health Centre (WSSHC). METHODS: Consecutive symptomatic and asymptomatic MSM attending for STI testing were prospectively enrolled. M. genitalium testing using the ResistancePlus MG assay was performed on FVU, anorectal and oropharyngeal samples routinely collected for Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae assays. RESULTS: Overall, the prevalence of M. genitalium infection in the study group was 13.4% (68/508). Most (79.4%, 54/68) M. genitalium harboured macrolide resistance mutations (87.5% of urethral and 75.6% of anorectal infections). The anorectum was the most commonly infected site (45/505, 8.9%), followed by the urethra (24/508, 4.7%). No oropharyngeal M. genitalium infections were detected (0/508). Most of the anorectal (93.3%) and urethral (79.2%) infections were asymptomatic.MSM who were taking HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) were twice as likely to be infected with M. genitalium compared with MSM who were not on PrEP (OR 2.1, 95% CI 1.3 to 3.6; P=0.0041). Always using condoms for anal sex in the last 3 months was protective of infection (OR 0.8, 95% CI 0.6 to 1.0; P=0.0186). CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrated a high prevalence of M. genitalium and very high levels of macrolide resistance among MSM attending WSSHC. Our findings support the routine use of an assay to detect macrolide resistance mutations in M. genitalium infections. This will ensure, in regions or populations with high rates of macrolide resistance among M. genitalium strains, that first-line treatment with azithromycin will only be used if a macrolide-sensitive strain is identified.

Dynamics of rectal balloon implant shrinkage in prostate VMAT : Influence on anorectal dose and late rectal complication risk.

PURPOSE: To assess the effect of a shrinking rectal balloon implant (RBI) on the anorectal dose and complication risk during the course of moderately hypofractionated prostate radiotherapy. METHODS: In 15 patients with localized prostate cancer, an RBI was implanted. A weekly kilovolt cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scan was acquired to measure the dynamics of RBI volume and prostate-rectum separation. The absolute anorectal volume encompassed by the 2 Gy equieffective 75 Gy isodose (V75Gy) was recalculated as well as the mean anorectal dose. The increase in estimated risk of grade 2-3 late rectal bleeding (LRB) between the start and end of treatment was predicted using nomograms. The observed acute and late toxicities were evaluated. RESULTS: A significant shrinkage of RBI volumes was observed, with an average volume of 70.4% of baseline at the end of the treatment. Although the prostate-rectum separation significantly decreased over time, it remained at least 1 cm. No significant increase in V75Gy of the anorectum was observed, except in one patient whose RBI had completely deflated in the third week of treatment. No correlation between mean anorectal dose and balloon deflation was found. The increase in predicted LRB risk was not significant, except in the one patient whose RBI completely deflated. The observed toxicities confirmed these findings. CONCLUSIONS: Despite significant decrease in RBI volume the high-dose rectal volume and the predicted LRB risk were unaffected due to a persistent spacing between the prostate and the anterior rectal wall.

Continued Benefit to Rectal Separation for Prostate Radiation Therapy: Final Results of a Phase III Trial.

PURPOSE: SpaceOAR, a Food and Drug Administration-approved hydrogel intended to create a rectal-prostate space, was evaluated in a single-blind phase III trial of image guided intensity modulated radiation therapy. A total of 222 men were randomized 2:1 to the spacer or control group and received 79.2 Gy in 1.8-Gy fractions to the prostate with or without the seminal vesicles. The present study reports the final results with a median follow-up period of 3 years. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Cumulative (Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events, version 4.0) toxicity was evaluated using the log-rank test. Quality of life (QOL) was examined using the Expanded Prostate Cancer Index Composite (EPIC), and the mean changes from baseline in the EPIC domains were tested using repeated measures models. The proportions of men with minimally important differences (MIDs) in each domain were tested using repeated measures logistic models with prespecified thresholds. RESULTS: The 3-year incidence of grade ≥1 (9.2% vs 2.0%; P=.028) and grade ≥2 (5.7% vs 0%; P=.012) rectal toxicity favored the spacer arm. Grade ≥1 urinary incontinence was also lower in the spacer arm (15% vs 4%; P=.046), with no difference in grade ≥2 urinary toxicity (7% vs 7%; P=0.7). From 6 months onward, bowel QOL consistently favored the spacer group (P=.002), with the difference at 3 years (5.8 points; P<.05) meeting the threshold for a MID. The control group had a 3.9-point greater decline in urinary QOL compared with the spacer group at 3 years (P<.05), but the difference did not meet the MID threshold. At 3 years, more men in the control group than in the spacer group had experienced a MID decline in bowel QOL (41% vs 14%; P=.002) and urinary QOL (30% vs 17%; P=.04). Furthermore, the control group were also more likely to have experienced large declines (twice the MID) in bowel QOL (21% vs 5%; P=.02) and urinary QOL (23% vs 8%; P=.02). CONCLUSIONS: The benefit of a hydrogel spacer in reducing the rectal dose, toxicity, and QOL declines after image guided intensity modulated radiation therapy for prostate cancer was maintained or increased with a longer follow-up period, providing stronger evidence for the benefit of hydrogel spacer use in prostate radiation therapy.

Hydrogel injection reduces rectal toxicity after radiotherapy for localized prostate cancer.

PURPOSE: Injection of a hydrogel spacer before prostate cancer radiotherapy (RT) is known to reduce the dose to the rectal wall. Clinical results from the patient's perspective are needed to better assess a possible benefit. METHODS: A group of 167 consecutive patients who received prostate RT during the years 2010 to 2013 with 2­Gy fractions up to 76 Gy (without hydrogel, n = 66) or 76-80 Gy (with hydrogel, n = 101) were included. The numbers of interventions resulting from bowel problems during the first 2 years after RT were compared. Patients were surveyed prospectively before RT, at the last day of RT, and at a median of 2 and 17 months after RT using a validated questionnaire (Expanded Prostate Cancer Index Composite). RESULTS: Baseline patient characteristics were well balanced. Treatment for bowel symptoms (0 vs. 11 %; p < 0.01) and endoscopic examinations (3 vs. 19 %; p < 0.01) were performed less frequently with a spacer. Mean bowel function scores did not change for patients with a spacer in contrast to patients without a spacer (mean decrease of 5 points) >1 year after RT in comparison to baseline, with 0 vs. 12 % reporting a new moderate/big problem with passing stools (p < 0.01). Statistically significant differences were found for the items "loose stools", "bloody stools", "painful bowel movements" and "frequency of bowel movements". CONCLUSION: Spacer injection is associated with a significant benefit for patients after prostate cancer RT.

Magnetic resonance image-guided brachytherapy for cervical cancer : Prognostic factors for survival.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this work was to identify prognostic factors for survival after magnetic resonance image (MRI)-guided brachytherapy combined with external beam radiotherapy for cervical cancer. MATERIAL AND METHODS: External beam radiotherapy of 45-50.4 Gy was delivered by either three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy or helical tomotherapy. Patients also received high-dose-rate MRI-guided brachytherapy of 5 Gy in 6 fractions. RESULTS: We analyzed 128 patients with International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics stage IB-IVB cervical cancer who underwent MRI-guided brachytherapy. Most patients (96 %) received concurrent chemotherapy. Pelvic lymph node metastases and para-aortic lymphadenopathies were found in 62 % and 14 % of patients, respectively. The median follow-up time was 44 months. Complete remission was achieved in 119 of 128 patients (93 %). The 5­year local recurrence-free, cancer-specific, and overall survival rates were 94, 89, and 85 %, respectively. Negative pelvic lymphadenopathy, gross tumor volume (GTV) dose covering 90 % of the target (GTV D90) of >110 Gy, and treatment duration ≤56 days were associated with better overall survival in univariate analyses. Multivariable analysis showed that GTV D90 of >110 Gy and treatment duration ≤56 days were possibly associated with overall survival with near-significant P-values of 0.062 and 0.073, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The outcome of MRI-guided brachytherapy combined with external beam radiotherapy in patients with cervical cancer was excellent. GTV D90 of >110 Gy and treatment duration ≤56 days were potentially associated with overall survival.

Comparison of Efficacy of Prophylactic Endoscopic Therapies for Postpolypectomy Bleeding in the Colorectum: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis.

OBJECTIVES: Although various endoscopic therapies have been suggested for preventing bleeding after colorectal polypectomy, the optimal therapy has yet to be fully clarified. We assessed the comparative efficacy of prophylactic therapies for postpolypectomy bleeding through a network meta-analysis combining direct and indirect comparisons. METHODS: We searched for all relevant randomized controlled trials published up until January 2016 examining the effects of prophylactic therapy for bleeding after colorectal polypectomy. The types of prophylactic therapy were classified as mechanical therapy, epinephrine-saline injection therapy, coagulation therapy, combined therapy, or no prophylactic therapy. Combined therapy was defined as a combination of two or more types of therapy including mechanical therapy, epinephrine-saline injection therapy, and coagulation therapy. We performed a Bayesian network meta-analysis for all prophylactic therapies. RESULTS: Fifteen studies with 3,462 patients were included in the meta-analysis. Compared with no prophylactic therapy, both epinephrine-saline injection and mechanical therapy showed superiority for preventing early postpolypectomy bleeding with a moderate quality of evidence (injection therapy, risk ratio (RR; 95% credible interval (CrI))=0.32 (0.11-0.67); mechanical therapy, RR (95% CrI)=0.13 (0.03-0.37)). Combined therapy did not show a statistically significant difference for decreasing the risk of early bleeding compared with injection or mechanical therapies, respectively (combined vs. injection therapy: RR (95% CrI)=0.35 (0.10-1.00); combined vs. mechanical therapy: RR (95% CrI)=0.88 (0.23-3.00)). In cases of delayed bleeding, no type of prophylactic therapy decreased the risk of bleeding compared with no prophylactic therapy. CONCLUSIONS: Either mechanical therapy or injection therapy reduced the risk of early postpolypectomy bleeding. As for delayed bleeding, none of the prophylactic therapies was associated with a lower risk of bleeding compared with no prophylactic therapy.

Lubricant Use and Rectal Chlamydial and Gonococcal Infections Among Men Who Engage in Receptive Anal Intercourse.

BACKGROUND: Use of lubricants during anal intercourse is very common among men who have sex with men. However, few studies have evaluated associations between specific lubricants and rectal sexually transmitted infections (STIs). METHODS: Between July 2012 and October 2013, we conducted a cross-sectional study of men who have sex with men recruited from an urban, public sexual health clinic. In a self-administered survey, participants identified the lubricants used and frequency of lubricant use in the previous three months. Among men reporting any receptive anal intercourse (RAI) in the previous 3 months, we used multivariable binomial regression models to analyze associations between recent use of 9 specific lubricants and prevalent rectal chlamydia, rectal gonorrhea, and either rectal infection. RESULTS: Twenty-five percent of the 146 participants had rectal chlamydial infection and 21% had rectal gonococcal infection; 37% had either (chlamydial or gonococcal) infection. Three-quarters reported always or almost always using lubricant during recent receptive anal intercourse. After adjustment for age, race, human immunodeficiency virus status, and condom use, Gun Oil (adjusted prevalence ratio [aPR], 1.99; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.04-3.80) and Slick (aPR, 3.55; 95% CI, 1.38-9.12) were significantly associated with prevalent gonococcal infection. No lubricants were significantly associated with prevalent rectal chlamydia, but in analyses of either rectal infection, precum (aPR, 1.68; 95% CI, 1.06-2.66), Vaseline (aPR, 1.70; 95% CI, 1.10-2.64), and baby oil (aPR, 2.26; 95% CI, 1.43-3.57) were all significantly associated with prevalent rectal infection. CONCLUSIONS: Several lubricants were significantly associated with increased prevalence of rectal STI. Longitudinal studies are needed to examine any causal relationship between specific lubricants and STI acquisition.