Electroacupuncture at Baliao point alleviates post-operative pain and anal distension after procedure for prolapse and hemorrhoids (stapled hemorrhoidopexy): a prospective randomized clinical trial.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to explore the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) at Baliao point on short-term complications, such as anal pain and swelling, after procedure for prolapse and hemorrhoids (PPH) in patients with mixed hemorrhoids. METHODS: A total of 124 eligible patients undergoing PPH surgery were included in this study and randomly divided into a control group (n = 67) and an EA group (n = 57), with patients in the control group receiving only PPH surgery and patients in the EA group receiving PPH surgery and EA at Baliao point. RESULTS: The visual analogue scale (VAS) scores of EA group at 8, 24, 48, and 72 h after operation were significantly lower than those of control group. The anal distension scores at 8, 48, and 72 h after operation were also significantly lower than those of control group. The number of postoperative analgesic drug administration per patient was also significantly lower in the EA group. The incidence of urinary retention and tenesmus in EA group was significantly lower than that in control group within the first day after surgery. CONCLUSION: EA treatment at the Baliao point can alleviate short-term anal pain and anal swelling after the procedure for prolapse and hemorrhoids, reduce the incidence of urinary retention, and decrease the use of postoperative analgesic drugs. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This study was approved and registered by the Chinese Clinical Trial Center, Registration number: ChiCTR2100043519, Registration time: February 21, 2021 ( https://www.chictr.org.cn/ ).

The impact of long-term (≥5 years) cholecystectomy on gut microbiota changes and its influence on colorectal cancer risk: based on 16S rDNA sequencing analysis.

BACKGROUND: Colorectal cancer (CRC) continues to be a major global health concern. Recent advances in molecular biology have highlighted the gut microbiota's role in CRC. This study investigates long-term (≥5 years) gut microbiota changes in patients postcholecystectomy, comparing them with CRC patients and healthy controls to assess their impact on CRC development. METHODS: Sixty participants were divided into three groups: 20 healthy controls, 20 postcholecystectomy (PCE) patients, and 20 CRC patients. Demographic data and stool samples were collected. Gut microbiota composition, abundance, and diversity were analyzed using high-throughput 16S rDNA sequencing. RESULTS: Significant differences in microbial community, α-diversity ( P  < 0.05) and ß-diversity ( P  = 0.006), were observed among the three groups. At the phylum level, Firmicutes abundance was significantly reduced in PCE and CRC groups compared with the control group ( P  = 0.002), while changes in other phyla were not significant ( P >0.05). At the genus level, Bacteroides , Dialister , and Parabacteroides increased progressively from control to PCE to CRC groups ( P  = 0.004, 0.001, and 0.002). Prevotella decreased across these groups ( P  = 0.041). Faecalibacterium and Roseburia abundances were reduced in PCE and CRC groups compared with controls ( P  = 0.001 and 0.003). The Random Forest algorithm identified Parabacteroides , Bacteroides , Roseburia , and Dialister as key distinguishing genera. CONCLUSION: The gut microbiota of long-term (≥5 years) PCE patients significantly differs from that of controls and resembles that of CRC patients, suggesting a potential link between cholecystectomy and CRC development through key microbial changes.

The application of graphene oxide and ferroptosis in the diagnosis and treatment of colorectal cancer: a narrative review.

Background and Objective: Colorectal cancer (CRC), a leading global malignancy, continues to challenge the medical community. Despite advancements in surgical, chemotherapeutic, radiation, targeted, and immunotherapeutic strategies, issues like resistance and side effects persist. This review illuminates the potential of ferroptosis, an emerging non-apoptotic cell death form, and graphene oxide (GO), with its distinctive physicochemical properties, in CRC therapy. Methods: The databases search included PubMed, Medline and Web of Science. Search terms focused on CRC, graphene, GO, ferroptosis, and related aspects in therapy and drug delivery. The time frame for literature retrieval was up to April 2024. Studies in languages other than English were excluded. Key Content and Findings: Ferroptosis has been recognized for its role in addressing treatment resistance, a notable hurdle in effective CRC management. This form of cell death offers a promising avenue for enhancing the effectiveness of existing treatments. However, understanding its mechanisms and clinical implications in CRC remains an area of active research, with significant progress required for its practical application. Simultaneously, GO, a versatile two-dimensional material, has demonstrated substantial potential in biomedical applications, especially in cancer therapy. Its high specific surface area and unique π-electron domains facilitate the effective binding of chemotherapy drugs, target genes, and photosensitizers. This makes GO a promising candidate in cancer diagnosis and treatment, particularly through tumor photothermal and photodynamic therapy (PDT). Despite these advancements, GO's clinical application faces challenges, including in vitro cytotoxicity and decreased biodegradability, necessitating further research. Conclusions: This review focuses on the characteristics of GO and ferroptosis, as well as their applications in tumor diagnosis and treatment, with a particular emphasis on their potential in CRC.

Application of the intestine diversion tube with a double-balloon without ileostomy in low rectal cancer.

Background: Ileostomy is often used in low rectal cancer to protect the anastomosis and reduce the incidence of anastomotic leakage. However, the closure of the stoma causes physical and psychological damage to patients. An intestine diversion tube with a double-balloon was designed to remove the need for ileostomy and a secondary surgery, and we sought to verify its effectiveness and safety. Methods: An intestine diversion tube with a double-balloon was designed, and the experiment was performed in 5 groups of experiment pigs by the same group of physicians. The tube was placed into the ileum through the cecum during surgery. All the animals were anatomized after being anesthetized on the 14th day postoperatively to check the anastomosis and abdominal cavity. The postoperative complications included anastomotic leakage, abdominal or pelvic infection, anastomotic stenosis, postoperative bleeding, intestinal obstruction, reoperation, electrolyte disorder, drainage tube blockage, and drainage tube fall off. Results: No serious postoperative complications occurred in the 5 animal groups. The average daily drainage tube volume was 188.6 mL, the average drainage tube removal time was 13.4 days, and the average first defecation time was 2.6 days. Postoperative drainage was smooth, and no anastomotic leakage, other complications, or animal deaths occurred. Conclusions: The use of the intestine diversion tube with a double-balloon was feasible in animal experiments and was safe and effective. The procedure is simple, and suitable for popularization and application in the clinic.